Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

The Kern Valley Healthcare District Auxiliary held its eagerly anticipated annual Installation Luncheon last Wednesday at the hospital. The cafeteria had been transformed for the occasion into a tropical beach paradise by several Auxiliary volunteers. Hospital kitchen staff also outdid themselves with a wonderful lunch served on a beautifully decorated buffet table with a striking four-foot high beach themed fruit centerpiece.

The large room, awash in a sea of tables decorated in hot pink, azure blue and sunny yellow was packed with more than 100 Pink Ladies and Blue Guys. The volunteers had turned out en masse to participate in the yearly event that celebrates the many accomplishments of Auxiliary volunteers as well as that of the organization as a whole.

Dolores Grove, left, and Stephanie Klamm, back to camera, receive their ‘Hour Pins’ from new Kern Valley Healthcare District CEO Tim McGlew at the Hospital Auxiliary’s Installation of Officers luncheon June 10. The event, held in the hospital cafeteria, was decorated with a tropical beach paradise theme

Alicia Audette, Auxiliary president, welcomed everyone to the luncheon and called the membership to order for a brief business meeting. Treasurer, Ronal Meinke provided an impressive overview of monetary gifts the Auxiliary has given to the district over the last several years, totally more than $375,000.

Jeanette Rogers, Community Outreach Coordinator for the district, led the group in a touching prayer and then spoke of how much the volunteers are appreciated. “You are all so valued and are treasures to us at this district. We thank you for all of the hours you selflessly give as volunteers of the KVHD Auxiliary.” In addition to her complimentary words, Rogers provided a gift for each of the attendees.

Auxiliary members had a chance to meet the new District Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Cynthia Burciaga, who officially assumed her duties last week. In her brief speech, Burciaga introduced herself to the large gathering and quickly won them over by stating that in all of her experience of working with volunteer groups in the healthcare field, she had never seen or heard of a group that was so committed and hard working in their efforts to serve the community. “I am utterly amazed at the number of years and hours of service that your volunteers have given. I am very proud to now be a part of the KVHD and look forward to getting to know you better.”

Tim McGlew, the new district CEO was up next and welcomed the membership. He, too, mirrored many of the same sentiments of Burciaga stating, “I am so impressed by the hours you give and the impact you have on the families here.” McGlew then presented Audette with a basket of letters of appreciation from managers of the various hospital departments.

Claudine Pelham conducted the awarding of Hour Pins to the membership. Recognition of service began with 100 hours of service all the way up to an astounding 15,000 hours which is recognized with a diamond pin. Peg Greenberg and Audette teamed up to hand out the Years of Service Pins. The installation of the six new officers was overseen by the new District CEO, Tim McGlew.

In closing, Audette encouraged the volunteers to be proud of their accomplishments. “We are a great organization. Don’t ever think what you do is not important to the district, even if you volunteer only four hours a month.” After reading a humorous poem entitled “A few of my favorite things.” Audette, who will remain as President for another year wished the new board well. No doubt they were already busy planning another year crammed packed with fundraising events and thousands of volunteer hours.