May 10, 2004

MCVH Auxiliary of VCU Health System hosts annual volunteer recognition program

Keynote Speaker President Trani highlights future capital projects

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By Michael Ford
University News Services

MCV Hospitals Auxiliary past President Judy Jones (left) leads the installation ceremony for Auxiliary officers for the next 12 months. Karen Shudtz, Jo Ann Burton, Charlotte Roberts, Judy Brush, Nancy Pendergast, Barbara Walser, and Julia Poppell all promised to care, commit and share on behalf of patients, families and staff at the hospital. Photo by Michael Ford, University News Services
MCV Hospitals Auxiliary past President Judy Jones (left) leads the installation ceremony for Auxiliary officers for the next 12 months. Karen Shudtz, Jo Ann Burton, Charlotte Roberts, Judy Brush, Nancy Pendergast, Barbara Walser, and Julia Poppell all promised to care, commit and share on behalf of patients, families and staff at the hospital. Photo by Michael Ford, University News Services

In 2003, more than 400 men and women with the MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the VCU Health System contributed 56,000 volunteer hours to the hospital complex.

Auxiliary President Jo Ann Burton called the annual recognition program a time to recognize and celebrate all they do as volunteers. On behalf of the Auxiliary, she presented a check worth $95,480 to MCV Hospitals Chief Executive Officer John Duval to fund grants to 14 hospital programs. Burton reminded volunteers and hospital employees attending the gathering at the Jefferson Hotel, the Auxiliary had sponsored a mural project for pediatrics, a summer safety fair, and established a new Learning Center in Main Hospital and a hospitality cart at VCU Physicians at Stony Point.

The Auxiliary raises money from the profits on sales at the Three Bears Gift Shop and the Cappuccino Cart, both in Main Hospital, and through various vendor sales held throughout the year. They've used those profits to donate $10,000 for the School of Nursing, and $3,500 to Hospital Hospitality House - enough to pay for one day of operations.

"It is a tremendous thing you do. You touch so many lives," said Hospital CEO John Duval. "Throughout the depth and breadth of this institution, you are part of what happens every single day. We are so much richer for your efforts." Duval estimated the value of those volunteer efforts at $1.25 million dollars in 2003.

Dr. Sheldon Retchin, vice president for health sciences and chief executive officer for the VCU Health System also thanked volunteers for their efforts. "Everyday, you give so much. You can't give anything more precious than your personal time," Retchin said.

The keynote speaker, VCU President Dr. Eugene Trani also expressed his gratitude to volunteers and created some buzz when he shared plans for future capital projects at VCU, including VCU Medical Center. He showed a series of architectural renderings to highlight the size and scope of the planned changes, including the newly planned $14 million School of Nursing, to be located near 11th and E. Leigh Street.