June 13, 2003

The gift of time: MGH thanks contributions of volunteers

Cool temperatures and an all-too-predictable rain didn't keep MGHers away from gathering under the Bulfinch Tent to offer thanks to an essential part of the MGH team — its volunteers — at the annual MGH Volunteer Recognition Day Award Ceremony June 4.

The event, which honored the more than 1,200 volunteers who have proved to be an invaluable asset to the MGH community, was organized by the MGH Department of Volunteers. Special awards included the Jessie Harding Award for Outstanding Volunteers, which went to Carlos Villafuerte. The Trustees Award, which honors an employee or department for outstanding support of the MGH volunteer program, was awarded to Katie Binda, MSW, LICSW, of the MGH Cancer Center.

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, and Edward L. Lawrence, chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees, were among the hospital leadership who commended the tireless efforts and contributions of the volunteers.

From left, MGH volunteers Virginia Neegaham, Kathy Rehm and Arthur Rochefort