Volunteers Celebrate 50 Years of Service to
Brazosport Regional Health System
Mary Ann Struthwolf (25 years of service), Nancy Buell (Charter Member),
Jean Edquist (41 years of service)
This year marks a very special milestone in history of the Brazosport Regional Volunteers. The past and present members of the Brazosport Regional Volunteers recently joined together to celebrate 50 years of service to Brazosport Regional Health System and to the community.
The auxiliary organization began in 1958 after a parent, Nancy Buell, realized the need for volunteers when her daughter was a patient. Nancy and two other ladies recruited the first 50 volunteers and formed the auxiliary for what was then the Dow Hospital. The organization has grown from sitting with children in the pediatric ward to now serving in over 25 areas in the hospital. The Brazosport Regional volunteers range in age from 14 years to 90+ and they make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients, employees and the Brazosport community.
 At the luncheon, guests had the opportunity to browse through scrapbooks, watch a PowerPoint presentation with memorable photographs, and even look at the original volunteer uniform – a pink pinafore and white shirt. Scott Briner, Assistant Vice-President of Marketing at Brazosport Regional started the afternoon with a welcome and expressed sincere appreciation to each member for their 50 years of dedication to the health system. Barbara Lewis, President of the Auxiliary, rounded out the afternoon with a walk through the history of Brazosport Regional and the volunteers. Nancy Buell and Gene Franklin, 1st and 2nd President of the Volunteers along with being charter members, were also recognized guests at the celebration.
The Brazosport Regional Volunteers are composed of 135 men and women who have graciously donate approximately 23,000 hours of their time per year.
 Each year the volunteers raise thousands of dollars through fundraisers such as book sales, jewelry shows, and gift shop purchases. All proceeds benefit patient care and fund several scholarships awarded to local high school students and employees at Brazosport Regional. Since 1961, the auxiliary has donated nearly $1 million dollars.
In addition to several fundraising activities, the volunteers participate in flu shot clinics, community education, blood drives, and holiday activities. If you would like to be a volunteer and give back to your community, please call Diane Poston at 979-285-1181 or the main auxiliary office at 979-285-1185. Please join the volunteers in celebrating 50 years of invaluable service to Brazosport Regional Health System and to the community!
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