Sheridan names HRMC Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year

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The Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) Auxiliary held tis annual recognition luncheon on Thursday, May 18, in the HRMC Legacy Plaza auditorium. Bonnie Sheridan was honored as Volunteer of the Year and Bob Eickhoff was officially installed as president of the HRMC Auxiliary.

Described as caring, humble and having boundless energy, Sheridan is a dedicated volunteer who serves on the Auxiliary leadership team as the membership chair and volunteers in the main lobby at HRMC. She was surprised with the honor when members of her family, who had been waiting in the wings during the luncheon, presented themselves during the announcement of the Volunteer of the Year award.

Sheridan also volunteers in the community by serving the Salvation Army, Peace Officers Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, Fire Department Auxiliary, and American Lutheran Church.

Upon receipt of the award, Sheridan remarked, “I am surprised, honored and incredibly proud to be a part of this group.” She continued, “We have a huge opportunity to do good. I would encourage anyone to get involved.”

Just prior to being presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award, Sheridan officially installed Bob Eickhoff as president of the Auxiliary. Eickhoff, who has been a volunteer since 2016 and serves as a volunteer each week at the Central Towers information desk, assumed leadership duties in January 2023 and is approaching the new position with enthusiasm.

“My goal is to serve our many volunteers in the best way possible,” said Eickhoff.  “We are often the first face of HRMC and we strive to make a positive impression that will enhance the experience of our patients.”

Eickhoff reported that volunteers donated 4,195 hours to the hospital during 2022 and recognized Auxiliary volunteers achieving service milestones with a commemorative pin.

New members include Brenda Christiansen, Carol Bowen, Diane Gropper, Barrie Held, Darlene Meester, Pat Meink, Paula Palmer, and Betty Timm.

Service milestones include:
• 100 hours: Pat Meink, Jan Tschetter and Leanne Vorhees
• 500 hours: Marlas Balvin, Jeanette Kleinsasser, Patsy Mavity and Shirley McMillan, 500 hours
• 1,000 hours: Donna Schroeder
• 1,500 hours: Shirley Knutson
• 2,000 hours: Diane Wipf, Renee Goldammer and Judy Tschetter.

During the luncheon, Erick Larson, president and CEO for HRMC welcomed the Auxilians and thanked them for their dedicated service. Raul Octaviani, MD, internal medicine physician, who joined HRMC in April, also joined the luncheon and introduced himself. Judy Tschetter, treasurer of the HRMC Auxiliary, provided a gift shop update.

Auxiliary volunteers provide refreshments and assistance in hospital lounges, assist visitors at the information desks and deliver floral arrangements and newspapers to patients.

The Auxiliary provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in health care and contributes to various projects at the hospital with funds raised through gift shop/candy counter sales and membership dues. The purpose of the Auxiliary is to promote and advance the welfare of HRMC by rendering service to patients and assisting with charitable projects.

The group is always looking for more volunteers to substitute or fill a four-hour weekly shift. For more information on HRMC’s Auxiliary or to volunteer, call Bonnie Sheridan at 605-354-1233 or visit www.huronregional.org.