Hospital Auxiliary celebrates 50 years of service

FALLBROOK — A luncheon was held October 22 at Pala Mesa Resort honoring the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary, an organization that has provided 50 years of service to the community.

Approximately 120 individuals attended the event, including doctors, nurses, healthcare administrators, representatives of elected officials and many past and present volunteers.

Field representative Donna Thompson from Senator Dennis Hollingsworth’s office presented a beautiful plaque to auxiliary president B.J. Johnson, recognizing the five decades the organization has made a difference.

Community liaison Christi Knight from Supervisor Bill Horn’s office presented a proclamation declaring October 22, 2009, the official day San Diego County would honor the auxiliary.

Vi Dupre, administrator of Fallbrook Healthcare District, offered an attractive clock in recognition of the auxiliary’s contributions.

Alex Villa, CEO of Fallbrook Hospital, and local physician David Bridgeman made additional presentations.

“There isn’t one inch of our hospital that hasn’t been touched by our volunteers’ care and love,” said Villa.

Fallbrook Hospital marketing director and public information officer Monique Murphy-Mijares prepared and presented a video entitled “50 Years in Review.”

‘Thank you’ posters and cards from hospital patients and staff members lined the walls. A delicious celebratory cake was donated by Major Market and attractive flower arrangements were donated by Carlos Perez of Affordable and Quality Home Care Services.

As he lauded the auxiliary’s many accomplishments, Perez said, “Volunteers are not special people; special people are volunteers.”

Fundraising efforts by the auxiliary provide scholarships to local individuals pursuing careers in healthcare.

Anyone interested in joining the auxiliary as a volunteer may call Barbara Von Nordheim at (760) 723-2662.