Phelps Memorial Health Center hosted the Annual Service League Volunteer luncheon for league members during National Volunteer Week.
Sue Waller, Service League President, welcomed guests to the event.
She said, “Through my time volunteering at the OR waiting room desk, I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from famililies and patients. Their words of appreciation for our providers and teammates speak volumes. It truly highlights what a remarkable hospital we have and how fortunate we are to serve in this capacity.”
Ivalene Simmons, Service League Treasurer, presented a donation in the amount of $3,000 to the hospital, designated to the purchase an additional vein finder for the nursing department.
During the luncheon, officers for the upcoming year were voted upon. Sue Waller will serve as the president. Other officers for the ensuing year include Lenore Kayton, secretary; Ivalene Simmons, treasurer; Shirley Butz, assistant treasurer; Mim Hazlett, membership chairman; and Julie Billeter, president-elect.
Standing committees elected included: Keri Berry, OR desk volunteers; Sylvia Person, scholarship; Joanne Olson, tray favors; Sue Waller, decorating; Kathy Canada, sewing; Barb Hartzog, Comfort Cart; Michele High, auditing; and Shirley Butz, nominating committee.
Several volunteers received special recognition and awards for their service hours by Mim Hazlett, membership chairman. Those included: 100 hours: Linda Black, Lanna Haflich and Ivalene Simmons; 200 hours: Terry Krohn; 300 hours: Darla Travis; 400 hours: Barb Hartzog; 500 hours: Shirley Butz and Lenore Kayton; 600 hours: Kathy Canada, Rob Larson and Sylvia Person; 900 hours: Sue Waller; 1100 hours: Linda Liljehorn; 1200 hours: Pat Waller; 1500 hours: Joane Olson; 1600 hours: Ingrid Person; 1700 hours: Mim Hazlett; 5000 hours: Lois Dick.
A total of 2,294.5 hours were donated by members in 2025. The total recorded volunteer hours accumulated since inception is 166,880.5 hours.
Mark Harrel, CEO, thanked the Service League and told them “We are truly appreciative of the hours you commit to the hospital and what you do for our team and our patients. You are a vital part of how we carry our our mission each day. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are often the first impression someone has of our hospital, and the comfort you provide in those moments helps ease stress in ways that are more impactful than you may ever realize.”
Sue Waller explained that every hour of volunteer time that gets reported at year’s end adds up and a portion of this money is dedicated to student scholarships to help support future healthcare workers. Each year, two Phelps Memorial Service League Medical Scholarships are awarded to students in college or trade schools, pursuing a degree in a medical field. The Service League Medical Scholarship is in its 51st year and has awarded 82 students scholarships.
Kyle Anderson, Board of Directors President, said “Our medical providers and teammates are second to none, and the board recognizes their unwavering commitment to excellence. The awards earned this past year by Phelps Memorial are a direct reflection of a team that consistently lives out its core values of dedication, integrity, compassion, and teamwork.”
“The Service League and our volunteers are an essential part of that culture. You help bring those values to life each day and make a meaningful difference for our patients and guests. The Service League has been a cornerstone of this hospital for many years, and your impact cannot be overstated. We know that volunteers are what help communities thrive, and we are sincerely grateful for the role you play in making both our hospital and our community stronger,” said Anderson.
