The mission of the Bitterroot Health Foundation is to create a culture of philanthropy, but Volunteer Coordinator Thessley Nguyen reminded that philanthropy can mean giving time as well as financial support.
Under her direction, the foundation is seeking volunteers to improve patient and visitor experience at the Daly Hospital. Volunteers can serve through the hospital’s auxiliary, or make a one-time commitment at an upcoming fundraising event.
The Bitterroot Health Auxiliary was established in 1945 after the passing of Margaret Daly to continue her efforts to financially support hospital operations. Over the last eight decades, the legacy of giving has been perpetuated by eager community-minded volunteers known as the “Pink Ladies” for the jackets they wear. Historically, some of the auxiliary members have also been men, with many more joining as of late.
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Bitterroot Health Foundation Director Stacie Duce said opportunities abound for service.
“The auxiliary is revitalized after the pandemic and we’ve included a wider demographic of members including some young people volunteering to get experience before medical school,” Duce said. “You don’t have to be a member of the auxiliary to volunteer offsite, but it certainly enriches the experience to join a community of active volunteers seeking to do good.”
She said to work in the hospital or with the hospice program, you do need to go through screening and training processes and to be a member of the auxiliary.
Nguyen said much of the auxiliary work is focused on providing hospitality around the hospital.
“We are adding new opportunities on a regular basis,” she said. “Right now we have volunteers assisting specific departments like rehab. We have volunteers in the infusion center, assisting hospice patients in their homes, and some working in the gift shop to improve the experience of patients, their families, and employees.”
Eric Bohrnsen is the newest auxiliary member who started volunteering in the gift shop but now works the infusion center. He recently applied to medical school and plans to work in family practice in a rural hospital.
“I love to volunteer with the [BH] auxiliary because it affords me the opportunity to get to know and assist the members of my community of all age ranges,” he said.
Auxiliary volunteers raise funds by running the caramel apple booth at the Ravalli County Fair and hosting two bake sales each year (the next one is Oct. 20). They also decorate the hospital and clinics for the holidays and help with blood drives.
Nguyen said some of the perks of membership include the satisfaction of helping patients, receiving the secret caramel sauce recipe, and a monthly meeting where BH staff keeps the volunteers updated about hospital happenings.
“We meet on the third Monday every month and have guest speakers and presentations on upcoming volunteer opportunities and fundraising,” Nguyen said.
Recently, guest speakers included Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf about services provided at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, the BH Nursing leadership team, Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department and hospital compliance staff.
“We’ve had people from the community and from the hospital present at these lovely meetings for us,” Nguyen said. “Friendships are formed as we introduce new volunteers, have raffles, hear reports about Bitterroot Health news so we can stay up-to-date and in the loop on everything.”
A new opportunity this summer has been in the Oncology and Infusion Center offering warm blankets and personal supplies, playing music, delivering iPads for entertainment during infusions, and refreshments from a free-choice hospitality center funded by auxiliary donations.
“It’s a beautiful space and an amazing new service we are able to offer,” Nguyen said.
After receiving specialized training, auxiliary members can become hospice volunteers and help families indirectly with administration tasks or working directly with patients in their homes.
Volunteers are needed for Bitterroot Health Foundation events. The next big fundraising event is the gala on August 4, the Color of Cancer events like the 5K on Oct. 7 and a Pickleball Tournament on Oct. 27 and 28. The Festival of Trees will be in November and needs a lot of volunteer assistance to succeed.
“The foundation hosted our first Festival of Trees last year,” Nguyen said. “We call it a non-profit community celebration because the philanthropy benefits so many local organizations.”
Nguyen said that nonprofits can register to have a tree at the festival online on the hospital’s website. They then can decorate a tree, have someone decorate it for them, or have a sponsor. Or volunteers can create a tree or wreath on their own to benefit their favorite local charity. Trees are sold via silent auction during the long weekend, or at the live auction at the end based on people’s and judge’s choices. All proceeds benefit the designated nonprofit.
“This was an opportunity for smaller nonprofits to raise money and donors to support in a fun and festive way,” Nguyen said. “We had over 40 trees last year, choirs singing holiday songs and a lot of community support. We’re excited to be doing it again.”
Volunteer Introduction training sessions will be happening on Monday, July 24, at noon and at 5 p.m. in the Blodgett Conference room at Bitterroot Health-Daly Hospital. The meeting covers the volunteering opportunities and events, followed by breakout sessions depending on people’s interests and talents.
“There is a lot of flexibility with volunteering,” Nguyen said. “Some of our volunteers just enjoy helping with one event during the year, some are very committed to certain shifts and responsibilities. That is totally great. We work with whatever schedule you have. There is quite a bit of flexibility.”
Nguyen helps anyone willing to go through the process by beginning with a short interview and followed by the requirements of the human resource department of the hospital.
She said it is important to have volunteers serve the not-for-profit hospital.
“From our board members to our pink ladies, having volunteer support is so important,” Nguyen said. “They are serving our community and helping us have top-notch hospitality services.
“Everyone truly makes a difference in whatever area they do to serve,” she said. “Many of our auxiliary members are retired nurses, so it’s a special interaction for patients in difficult situations to be served by a lady in a pink jacket or a friendly student dreaming of being a doctor someday. Their impact is special.”
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Thessley Nguyen at 406-375-4764.
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