LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Mercy Health–St. Rita’s is taking time to thank the volunteers and auxiliary members who donate their time to helping others.
The annual appreciation luncheon gives the hospital a chance to recognize volunteers for their years of service and thank them for the support they provide to staff and patients.
This year, Virginia Raymond received the Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of volunteering at St. Rita’s. The retired Lima Central Catholic teacher says she enjoys brightening the day of everyone she meets at the hospital.
“I worked in the flower room for years, and then when covid came, I started working at the front desk. And it just warms my heart to see these people come in. And I'm terrible about teasing people, but when I see them smile and they I think sometimes that's the only smile they have for the day, I tease everybody. It's just a wonderful place to be. I enjoy all the people I work with,” said Virginia Raymond, winner of the Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to volunteering their time, members of the St. Rita’s Volunteer Auxiliary also contribute financially to support hospital improvements.
“This year we're given a pledge to our new Mom/Baby renovation, and we pledged a million dollars to that cause, and today, we're going to be donating $250,000,” said Sue Dew, president of St. Rita’s Volunteer Auxiliary Resources.
The funds will go toward enhancing maternal and infant health across the region. Since 1953, St. Rita’s volunteers have raised more than $10 million to improve patient care and community programs.
