Ludington Hospital volunteers pay off Family Birthing Center pledge

October 19, 2018

Janet Baxter, president of the Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital volunteer services board, presented a $50,000 check to Randy Kelley, hospital president, culminating a $150,000 pledge toward the Family Birthing Center construction project. They are joined by many of the volunteers who contributed in the efforts to raise the necessary funds to pay off the pledge two years ahead of schedule.

The volunteers of Ludington Hospital presented a $50,000 check Thursday evening to the Spectrum Health Foundation Ludington Hospital, culminating a $150,000 pledge toward the Family Birthing Center construction project. The final payment was given at the volunteer annual recognition banquet, held at Lincoln Hills Golf Club, where many of the 120 volunteers were honored for milestone achievements in volunteer hours.

“On behalf of the volunteer board at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, I am honored to present this final payment of our five-year $150,000 pledge,” said Janet Baxter, president of the volunteer board. “We are tremendously encouraged by our ability to honor this pledge, which is our largest to date, and to do so two years ahead of schedule. I’d like to thank each volunteer for all of the hard work put into this effort as well as each donor who contributed. It was a group effort and really shows what can be achieved when we all work together.”

The total pledge is part of $1.3 million raised in philanthropic support toward the Family Birthing Center project, for which construction bids were recently issued and are being reviewed.

“We are extremely grateful to our volunteer board and every donor to this important project,” said Kaley Petersen, director, foundation and community services at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “The new Family Birthing Center is planned as a destination for area parents who want to deliver their babies in a modern, new facility with all of the amenities and conveniences to make the experience unforgettable. I’d like to thank every volunteer at Ludington Hospital, and all of them together for contributing this ‘personal record’ donation of $150,000.”

“Not only have our volunteers contributed philanthropically, they also continue to give of their time and talent as well,” said Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “During the last full fiscal year, volunteers collectively gave 13,712 hours to the hospital. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals who come alongside us every day to help carry out our mission of serving the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

Of the 120 hospital volunteers, 21 were honored at the recognition banquet for milestones in hours they achieved, with Ellie Huff recognized for 5000 volunteer hours. Huff has volunteered at the hospital since 1975 and is one of the longest-serving volunteers. She works delivering interoffice mail.

Volunteers at the hospital work in many departments, from greeting and registration to gift shop and fundraising. All funds raised through volunteer services go to patient-related projects. Anyone interested in volunteering at the hospital may contact Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator, at 231.845.3633.

Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital honored its volunteers Thursday during the annual recognition banquet at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. Ellie Huff (pictured front and center) was the top honoree as she surpassed 5,000 hours of service. Seated behind Huff, from left to right, are Karen Posma (3,000 hours), Joyce Rupert (2,000 hours), Bobbie Severance-Roach (1,000 hours), Kareen Monton (1,000 hours), Joyce Jeruzal (1,000 hours), and Linda Ybarra (500 hours). Standing, from left to right, are Carol Johnson (500 hours), Shari Roberts (100 hours), Viann Priniski (100 hours), Karen Oele (100 hours), David Culver (100 hours), Marjorie Carlson (100 hours), Jill Becker (100 hours) and Linda Bearup (100 hours).

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