The induction of new officers into the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary marked a meaningful moment of celebration, reflection, and gratitude, as hospital leaders and volunteers gathered to honor the impact of volunteer service and philanthropy.
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital’s Auxiliary welcomed its 2026 Board of Officers, chaired by President Pat Panarese. Mary Harlan will serve as First Vice President, with Sharon Martinek as Second Vice President. Pat Garren assumes the role of Treasurer, and Marietta Lamberson will serve as Secretary. Supporting the board are dedicated members at large, Barb Gajewski, Anh Strow, Brenda Cain, and Rose Rankin, whose commitment continues to strengthen the Auxiliary’s mission.
“Our Auxiliary volunteers offer their service quietly and compassionately, without expectation of recognition,” said Rhonda Edmonson, Regional Director of Volunteer Services for SSM Health in Illinois. “Their presence brings humanity into every interaction and reinforces the idea that healing is truly a collective effort.”
During the event, leaders also recognized SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary’s extraordinary philanthropic impact. In 2025, the Auxiliary contributed $75,000 to the SSM Health Foundation in Illinois, funding key investments that directly benefit patients and caregivers. These gifts included the purchase of a warming cradle and six new rockers for the Women’s Center, new workstations on wheels for the Emergency Department, and additional investment in the Auxiliary’s scholarship endowment established in 2024.
A significant milestone was also celebrated. Since 2011, the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary’s total giving to the Foundation has reached $1 million. Built through years of fundraising efforts, volunteer hours, and community support, this achievement reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to the hospital and those it serves.
“One million dollars is more than a number- it’s a story,” said Kay Zibby-Damron, SSM Health in Illinois Foundation Director. “Behind every dollar are countless acts of kindness, service, and belief in our mission to provide exceptional health care and reveal the healing presence of God.”
The celebration also included a special moment honoring Virginia Rubenacker, a longtime Auxiliary volunteer, celebrating her 100th birthday.
As the Hospital Auxiliary looks ahead, leaders expressed gratitude for the volunteers whose generosity and service continue to touch every corner of the hospital, from advanced medical equipment and comforting patient spaces to scholarships that help grow the next generation of healthcare professionals.
About SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon is a 134-bed hospital and has the most advanced robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery, a comprehensive cardiology program with the only Cath lab in the 9 surrounding counties, 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.
As part of the SSM Health system, the hospital system is nationally recognized for quality and innovation. SSM Health Illinois is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across southern Illinois through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system.
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