Press Releases

Mercy Auxiliary/Volunteer Organization (MAVO)
Names Volunteer of Year & Reports Year-End Results

Port Huron , MI …The Mercy Auxiliary/Volunteer Organization (MAVO) is pleased to name Gene Schucker as the Mercy Hospital Volunteer of the Year and report its year-end results at its Annual Meeting held June 6, 2006.

“Mercy Hospital and MAVO wish to extend congratulations to Gene Schucker of Port Huron, who was honored as the Volunteer of the Year,” comments Sandra Bonito, MAVO president. “Gene is an outstanding example of the quality of volunteers who choose to provide care and service at Mercy Hospital.” In addition to Schucker, the following were nominated for the 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award: Bernie Lee of St. Clair; David & Donna Schwartz of Port Huron; John Martens of Port Huron; Mariette Wallbank of Port Huron; Dorothy Porrett of Port Huron; and Sister Kathy Wood, OP, of Marysville.

During its annual meeting, MAVO reported that more than 160 volunteers are actively involved at Mercy Hospital, providing more than 18,000 hours of dedicated service. As a result of their fund raising programs and service, more than $75,000 was donated to the hospital to enhance medical services and equipment, programs at the Peoples’ Clinic for Better Health, advanced education scholarships, and Lifeline services for economically disadvantaged individuals. In addition, MAVO announced a three-year $30,000 contribution to the James J. Snider, MD, Fund; a program created to honor one of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center’s original founders and dedicated physicians.

During the Annual Meetings reports were provided by committee chairs offering leadership in these additional areas: Atrium Surgical Lounge, Courier Services, Friendship/Memorials; Fundraising; Gift Shop; Membership; Spiritual Care and Threads of Mercy.

MAVO board leadership includes: Sandra Bonito of Port Huron, president; Pat Snyder of Lexington, past president; Geeta Dalal of Port Huron, first vice president; Barbara Heinen of St. Clair, second vice president; Marilyn Moss of Marysville, financial secretary; and Pam Ruehle of Port Huron, recording secretary.

“MAVO provides valuable service and funding to Mercy Hospital. They are at the core of what we do every day,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital president & CEO. “This corps of dedicated and devoted individuals offers the threads that bind many of our programs and services together. We are honored to be the focus of such a dynamic group.”

For more information regarding MAVO or to apply to become a volunteer, please call Cindy Henrion, Mercy Hospital volunteer coordinator at (810) 985-1674.