Mt. Vernon, IL (February 16, 2023) – SSM Health Good Samaritan Auxiliary held its Installation of Officers luncheon on January 24, 2023. During the luncheon, the Auxiliary celebrated a significant fundraising milestone. With a final payment of $82,000 to the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, the group completed a four-year $250,000 pledge towards Cancer Care in the Mt. Vernon region.
“The outstanding efforts and the generosity of this significant gift will touch the lives of countless community members who are receiving cancer services at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital,” states Kay Zibby-Damron, Regional Administrative Foundation Director of SSM Health Illinois. “The dedication and work of our Auxiliary are a blessing to the hospital and the community.”
Outgoing President, Pat Garren, thanked the Auxiliary for its support and assistance throughout her term. Garren shared how her tenure was successful because of the teamwork of her fellow volunteers. She reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Good Samaritan Hospital moving into its new facility at 1 Good Samaritan Way. “I was there when the transition occurred and was excited to have played a part in the move,” said Garren. She then presented the gavel to the newly elected Auxiliary President, Brenda Cain. Brenda thanked everyone for their support and is excited about starting her new leadership role.
SSM Health Southern Illinois Regional President, Mike Baumgartner, conveyed words of gratitude for the Auxiliary’s service and fundraising accomplishments. Baumgartner administered the oath of office for the new 2023 Auxiliary Board members. The 2023 Auxiliary Board of Directors includes Brenda Cain, President; Ray Hayes, 1st Vice President; Pat Panarese, 2nd Vice President; Marietta Lamberson, Secretary; Pat Garren, Treasurer; Zeny Jayne, Arlene Cook, Mary Harlan and Rose Rankin all Members-at-Large.
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital is thankful for the volunteers who give their time and resources to bless our community. For those interested in becoming a volunteer, start the process by completing an online application at ssmhealth.com/volunteer or call 618-899-1031.
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About SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 134-bed hospital and has the most advanced robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery, a comprehensive neurosciences program, and a pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program operated in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of congestive heart failure. In recent years, Healthgrades has presented SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, Outstanding Patient Experience Award, and the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.
