Saint Francis Volunteers Recognized at Annual Breakfast

Ann Smith Honored With Baumstark Award

Nearly 200 Saint Francis Auxilians and volunteers were honored at the annual volunteer breakfast, held at the Drury Lodge, in recognition of the support they provide for Saint Francis Medical Center.

Each year, volunteers supply a work force of more than 300 people who donate more than 65,000 hours and generate an additional $200,000 for the Medical Center. The volunteer breakfast provides an opportunity for the Medical Center to show volunteers how much they are appreciated.

“The volunteers are such an integral piece of our organization,” says Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, Saint Francis President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their support and commitment help us provide the best compassionate care available to every patient in the Medical Center.”

At the event, Ann Smith was named the 2010 Baumstark Award winner. The award was created in honor of Vernice Baumstark, the first Auxiliary president, who served Saint Francis unceasingly for 35 years, and is given each year to the volunteer who best represents the organization’s dedication, loyalty and service to the Medical Center.

Smith began volunteering at Saint Francis in 1994. She has recorded nearly 4,000 hours since, but she often does not record the hours she works because the time is not important to her; she just likes to be of service. Smith began volunteering in the Pharmacy, where she delivered medication around the Medical Center. She soon became a member of the Auxiliary Board of Directors and now serves as the community wellness advocate, educating the public on the Auxiliary’s state projects, including breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, autism, stroke and diabetes. For many years, she has increased safety for people in the community by providing Vials of Life to store crucial medical information.

In addition to her work at Saint Francis, Smith devotes much time to her church, serves meals at the Salvation Army quarterly, delivers Meals on Wheels and participates in many other charitable projects, quietly and sometimes anonymously.