April is National Volunteer Week! In recognition of this, Lakes Regional Healthcare presented an informative program to our Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. Jennifer Gustafson, VP at LRHC spoke first telling us that they employ 270 but have over 100 volunteers. These volunteers work in different capacities including Pink Ladies, Hospice, Board Volunteers, and within the newly formed Foundation. Jennifer encouraged all of us to volunteer and made available the LRHC volunteers membership cards. Long time Volunteer Bev Berquist enlightened the club by sharing many stories and hospital volunteer details. (Bev also shared with us that there are many men volunteers in this capacity but they wear blue vests!) Bev began volunteering as a pink lady before the hospital started in 1959. In general, these volunteers help people get to where they need to go. Bev is the Chairman of the Messenger Service which picks up patients in their rooms, takes them to Xray and back. Other odd jobs may also be asked of them such as supplying the hospital's kitchenettes. Because of this task, she learned that there are eight kitchenettes within LRHC. Over the years, the Pink Ladies have held many fundraisers including Pink Balls, Pink Bazaars, ad Pink Fairs. These fundraisers help to aid in their service as well as scholarships to high school seniors and to staff members. "TeleCare" is another service which assures persons and family members that someone is checking on them. However, this service has declined since the rise in assisted living options in the area. Bev ended the program with a quote from Erma Bombeck: "Volunteers don't represent civilization.... they are civilization!" Thanks to Jennifer and Bev for a great Rotary Program.