The St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary celebrated its 70th anniversary at the annual Spring Awards last month, and members were recognized for their donation of over 17,000 hours of volunteer service. The Auxiliary staffs the Auxiliary Coffee and Gift Shop and visitor reception desks, assists in the nursing home, creates silk flower arrangements, and provides comfort through handmade blankets and prayer shawls. Judy Mayer was honored as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, and Lou Pottebaum was recognized for 25 years of active service. Additionally, auxiliary members were recognized for their cumulative hours of service, ranging from 100 to an extraordinary 15,000 hours contributed by Jan Potthoff. Since record keeping began in 1994, the St. Anthony Auxiliary has logged over 512,500 hours in volunteer time and donated over $900,000 to major hospital projects. St. Anthony President and CEO Allen Anderson says, “On behalf of St. Anthony, we want to thank each auxiliary member for the service and dedication to the hospital, patients, and our community. From giving directions to visitors to hand-knitting blankets, none of your efforts go unnoticed.” Photos of the volunteers honored are included below.
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Auxiliary Members receiving awards for cumulative hours of service:
100 Hours (patch): Susan Danielson, Tom Farner, Sharon Kasperbauer, Diane Pudenz, Mary Schoeppner, Pat Schultes and Jean Weber
500 Hours (pin & bar): Ruth Barrett, Karyl Eischeid, Julie Kock, Fr. Timothy Schott, Sylvia Schroeder, Jane Schultes, and Meri Jo Soe
1,000 Hours (bar): Diane Ohrtman, Virginia Sigwalt
2,000 Hours (bar): Joe Gross, Linda Petersen
5,000 Hours (bar): Joan Badding, Catherine Danner and Pat Sanders
11,000 Hours (bar): Iola Hoogestraat
12,000 Hours (bar): Eileen Schwaller
15,000 Hours (bar): Jan Potthoff
Auxiliary Officers recognized for their leadership were (star pin): Judy Mayer, Carolyn Ehlers, Jan Potthoff, Norma Schleisman, Linda Wernimont, Diane Ohrtman, and Virginia Sigwalt
