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Honoring Bethesda's Volunteers

070426/01

“A blessing from above,” is how Lori Werth, Bethesda Area Volunteer Director for the Watertown, Wis. campus, refers to those who volunteer their time at Bethesda.

On Thursday, April 19, 2007, Bethesda staff took time out to show appreciation for those who give so freely of their time and ability. April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and this annual luncheon is one way Bethesda shows its gratitude.

The luncheon was titled ‘Volunteers: The Essential Piece,’ and staff in attendance made the importance of volunteers clear, “they give of their time without expecting anything in return,” said Werth, “we couldn’t do it without them.” Tables were decorated with scattered puzzle pieces and cookies baked by people supported by Bethesda in appreciation of the volunteers.

The luncheon started with a delicious spread of salads and sandwiches. Then all volunteers in attendance were recognized in order of years of service, starting with Anthony Good, one year, and ending with Dorothy Gartzke, forty-three years.

Then two special awards were presented; the first was the Behnken Honors Award, named in honor of Alma Behnken, an early pioneer of volunteer service at Bethesda. This award is presented to an individual who has supported various Bethesda departments. The recipient of this award was Alice Rahn, who has been volunteering here for over 38 years. “I didn’t expect this,” said a visibly astonished Rahn, “it’s quite an honor.”

Then the Hillman Honors Award was presented; named for Ken Hillman who volunteered his time to those living on Bethesda’s campus for 19 years. The honor was awarded to Star Troeger, unfortunately, Troeger was unable to attend the banquet, though Bethesda staff spoke about her work with individuals in music and tap dancing.

“It gives rewards to me,” said volunteer Janet Babcock, “I love doing it.” Babcock is back at Bethesda after curbing her volunteer activity for health reasons. She was obviously very excited about her return to Bethesda, making an impromptu speech after receiving her Years of Service Award. “Volunteering gives me something to live for,” Babcock told the crowd.

Marion Kukla volunteers her time at Bethesda’s Day Services building. At one time, Kukla ran the Ceramics Department, now she works on Bethesda’s Christmas Angels and card designs. “I’ve volunteered for 26 years,” said Kukla, “it’s wonderful that they have this luncheon for us.”

After a short break, students from Maranatha Baptist Bible Academy preformed a number of songs for the volunteers. Then cake and punch were served while Bethesda staff stopped by to thank the volunteers.

This luncheon was a joyous opportunity to celebrate Bethesda’s volunteers and their generous gifts of time and ability. “We wanted to relay our appreciation for their dedication,” said Werth.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@blhs.org.