Hillcrest Hospital Honors Its Volunteers for Their Service

Hillcrest Hospital had its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Thursday at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven.

About 200 of the hospital's 415 volunteers attended the event. Jeffrey Leimgruber, hospital president, told them that their efforts are appreciated.

"For us it's something we do for a living. To you it's something you do for loving," he said.

Mayfield Heights Mayor Gregory Costabile also offered his thanks.

"Thank you for your willingness to give of yourselves to help others," he said. "That's what I feel makes our community strong – volunteers like yourselves."

Rose Marie Brigneli, president of Hillcrest Hospital Auxiliary, said the group reached a milestone last year by joining the 1921 Society, which recognizes those who have given $1 million or more to support the Cleveland Clinic's mission.

Gerry Schlak, hospital coordinator of volunteer services, announced winners of Volunteer Recognition and Volunteer Service awards, as well as Volunteer of the Year George Cicero.

Schlak said Cicero has volunteered every Wednesday for four years, assisting with scheduling for cardiac patients and taking samples to the lab for prompt results.

She read from the form nominating Cicero, "We all feel that George Cicero is as much of a part of our center as any employee."

Volunteer Service Award winners were:

25 years – Colette O'Brien and Clare Zalatel

30 years – Ginny Young and Joan Matilo

35 years – Mary Boehlke, Mena Dolciato, Jean Geraci and Dottie Konrad

Volunteer Recognition Awards were given to:

1,000 hours – Muriel Carter, Roland Grabfelder, Father Lito Hitosis, Ruth Kabat, Carol O'Brien, John O'Brien and Joan Sauer

2,000 hours – Betty Botti, Georgine Calvano, Charles Cordaro, Maxine Fine, Patricia Funk, Retha Schabes and Mary Marie Thomas

2,500 hours – Beverly Fagerholm, Sue Georges, Rolasie Lapick, Anne Mills and Rita Ruggeri

4,000 hours – Bert Kennedy and Erika Klein

6,000 hours – Donna Mills and Eric Zelman