Community Hospice, the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice provider in the Central Valley, celebrated and recognized volunteers at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 10. All volunteers received a special certificate of recognition. Several volunteers were recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the mission of Community Hospice and four dedicated volunteers were awarded the 2018 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Volunteer of the Year Award. Named after the co-founder of Community Hospice, the awards are given each year to four volunteers for their outstanding service and spirit of excellence. One volunteer is chosen from the following: Community Hospice, Friends of Community Hospice, Community Hospice Hope Chest Thrift Stores and Camp Erin of the Central Valley.
The Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Audrey Hermanson. Not only is Hermanson a dedicated and compassionate grief support volunteer, she also assists the Marketing department at events providing resources and awareness of Community Hospice programs.
The Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Friends of Community Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Mrs. Mardy Chipponeri; current Vice President of Membership for the Friends of Community Hospice and Chair of the Santa Shares Breakfast. Chipponeri has served in many capacities to support the fundraising efforts and mission of Community Hospice. She has played a significant role in the success of Friends of Community Hospice and has demonstrated leadership and a hospice heart.
Sharon Troglin was awarded the Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Hope Chest Thrift Store Volunteer of the Year. Troglin has been volunteering with Community Hospice for more than 25 years. Her ongoing dedication to the mission of Community Hospice is a source of inspiration to her fellow volunteers.
The 2018 Mary Jean Coeur-Barron Camp Erin of the Central Valley award was presented to Ms. Domini Mills. She has served as a nurse at Camp Erin since the beginning in 2014. Her dedication to supporting campers along their grief journey, as well as the many camp volunteers, has been a blessing.
In 2018, more than 550 volunteers contributed 23,023 hours in support of the Community Hospice mission.
“Volunteers have always been and are still the heart of Community Hospice. We are fortunate to have so many community residents give their time and talent to support our mission,” said C. DeSha McLeod, President and CEO of Community Hospice. “We are grateful for all our volunteers that help support our patients and their families, and the programs we provide our communities.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or any of Community Hospice’s programs or services, visit hospiceheart.org or call 209-578-6300.