NORWICH – At its annual volunteer luncheon on Wednesday, May 7, at Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary presented a donation of $38,500 to Dr. Drake Lamen, the hospital’s president and chief executive officer. The donation will help to support the hospital’s patient services including maternal/child programs in particular.

Each year, Chenango Memorial’s Auxiliary makes a significant monetary donation and provides added support to the hospital as well. In addition to the annual donation presented at the luncheon, which was achieved by Auxiliary and volunteer activities throughout the year, during 2013 the group provided more than $12,000 in direct support of activities and services for the hospital’s nursing home, maternity patients and hospital employee scholarships, among other initiatives.

Dr. Lamen thanked the Auxiliary and complimented the members for their commitment and efforts to contribute to essential hospital services, programs and improvements.

“Your generosity is outstanding and we appreciate all of the hard work that is required to generate these very important contributions,” said Dr. Lamen. He also thanked the more than 100 volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year, helping the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff. In 2013, volunteers donated 15,000 hours and served in 25 different areas of the hospital. “I hope you realize how much your efforts contribute to the well-being of our community,” he added.

Dr. Lamen also expressed his thanks to all of the Auxiliary board members and Director of Volunteer Services Julie Clarke.

The Auxiliary’s donations each year are made possible through numerous projects and fundraising activities during the previous year. In large, the funding from 2013 came from the hospital’s gift shop and the Pink Door thrift shop. In addition, the Auxiliary has an annual membership drive and sponsors a variety of sales including uniform sales, book sales and its annual Breakfast with Santa.

Kathie Deierlein, Auxiliary president, emphasized the importance of public interest and participation in the Auxiliary’s activities. “Support from the public, both in donations and sales, is essential to our success, and we thank everyone who supports our efforts.”

The annual luncheon honored volunteers and recognized their many hours of service. In addition, Kaitlyn Jackson, local American Idol competitor, performed for luncheon attendees. The theme of the luncheon was “Our volunteers are Royal-tea,” and Virginia Chaplin, long-time Auxiliary member and volunteer, displayed part of her extensive collection of memorabilia related to English royalty. In addition, table decorations featured tea cups and saucers reminiscent of an English tea and each table’s flower arrangement was encircled by a decorative crown.

One more feature was the introduction of the 200-page history of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital with publication sponsored by the Auxiliary. Johneen Loftus, long-time Chenango Memorial employee and now a member of the hospital’s Auxiliary, researched and put together this book by working with an Auxiliary committee that includes Betsey Baio, Virginia Chaplin, Linda Mason and Maria Santacrose. The book will be for sale for $27 at the hospital gift shop and in venues throughout the county.

For information about joining Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary or volunteering, contact Julie Clarke, Director of Volunteer Services, at 337-4151.