Martha Clark receives 2006 Award for Excellence

Martha Clark receives 2006 Award for Excellence from Redlands Community Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary

REDLANDS, CA - At the annual Redlands Community Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Brunch, held on December 6 at the University of Redlands, Martha Clark of Redlands was presented the 2006 Mary Kimberly Shirk Volunteer Award of Excellence.

The annual award is presented to the volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of Mary Kimberly Shirk, the first member of the hospital’s Auxiliary who also served on the hospital’s Governing Board. Mrs. Shirk’s family formerly owned Kimberly Crest Mansion and Gardens in Redlands, now a historic site open to the public.

Members of the Auxiliary and hospital staff were asked to nominate active volunteers for this recognition. Criteria for the nominations included loyalty to the hospital and Auxiliary, enthusiasm for volunteering, energy, compassion for patients and their families and leadership.

The selection committee received many excellent nominations from which to choose, all of whom demonstrated these qualities.

"Martha’s contributions to the Auxiliary are noteworthy," said Pat Schindler, director of Volunteer Services for Redlands Community Hospital. "She has served the hospital’s Auxiliary for more than 23 years, donating more than 5,000 hours of service. She also has held several board and chair positions as well as participated in the in-service volunteer activities."

Martha Clark with her Volunteer Auxiliary Award for Excellence

The selection committee received many excellent nominations from which to choose, all of whom demonstrated these qualities.

"Martha currently serves the Auxiliary as a board member, surgery waiting room volunteer and chairs the fundraising committee. She is a tireless volunteer who touches the lives of those she meets," she said.

Diane Gray, the Auxiliary’s chair for the Award Committee, presented the Award to Martha during the holiday gathering, which included presentations by hospital CEO Jim Holmes, invocation by hospital chaplain Rev. Dr. Alden Sproull, Chairman of the Hospital Board Phil Doolittle, and installation of officers by Jane Dreher, the hospital’s public relations director.

Auxiliary officers for the coming year include: President, Warren Monroe of Idyllwild; First Vice President, Marcia Van Mouwerik of Redlands; Second Vice President, Darlene Hatch from Calimesa; Treasurer, Nancy Bologna of Redlands; Recording Secretary, Diane Gray of Redlands; and Corresponding Secretary, Teal Taylor of Yucaipa. Auxiliary leadership also recognized many other volunteers and announced the chairs of the volunteer committees.

Outgoing Auxiliary President Jim Stellar presented a check for $70,000 to RCH Foundation Chairman Tim Murone. The check represents proceeds from sales in the Gift Shop and other fundraising efforts done by the volunteers throughout the year. The Foundation uses the funds to purchase needed medical equipment.

Entertainment was provided by Redlands High School Chamber Singers, under the direction of Ken Tuttle, Choral Director.

The RCH Auxiliary has approximately 300 volunteers representing a variety of communities, including Angelus Oaks, Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Colton, Crestline, Grand Terrace, Hemet, Highland, Idyllwild, Loma Linda, Mentone, Moreno Valley, Redlands, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa. New volunteers are always welcome. Please call (909) 335-5526 for more information.

Incoming Auxiliary Board for 2007