In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital hosted a breakfast to honor the hospital’s volunteers and recognize their hard work and dedication.
From Doggie Brigade to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cuddlers to greeters at information desks, more than 1,600 volunteers give their time on the Akron and Mahoning Valley campuses in a wide variety of roles.
In 2017, volunteers provided more than 125,000 hours of service, which equates to a value of more than $2.6 million.
“I have the best job ever,” Vicki Parisi, director of Volunteer & Visitor Services, told the volunteers at the event. “I’m so honored to work with all of you.”

Bill Considine, Akron Children’s CEO, smiles with volunteers who were recognized for 250 hours of service. Front row, left to right, Nancy Caley, Mary Baldwin, Laurel Celik, Linda McCoy, Nancy Falther and Linda Kamenar. Back row, left to right, Paul Lauritzen, David Arman, Mr. Considine, Betty Huber, Suzan Sellke, Dian Verbosky and Irene Uhalley.

Bill Considine poses with volunteers who served 500 hours. Front row, left to right, Vince Simon, Shirley May, Denise Lucarelli, Mary Hunt, Ruby Riley and Denise Vittum. Back row, left to right,Rosario Mallen-Toogood, Mr. Considine, Mark Geschke, Walter Hight, Julie Hyde and Nancy Granger.

Bill Considine at the volunteer recognition breakfast with a group of volunteers who gave 750 hours. Left to right, Debbie Cowart, Elaine Miller, Edwin Coss, Joanna Yurjevich, Mr. Considine, John Bartlett, Thomas Deighton, Theodore Kozma, Kathleen McConnell and Dennis Smith.

Bill Considine smiles with Akron Children’s volunteers being recognized for 1,000 hours of service. Left to right, Joette Olesky, Morgan Mitchell-Bjerke, Joan Lauck, Mr. Considine, Janice Husted, Michelle Luecke and Mary Vidmar.

Bill Considine with volunteers who were recognized for 2,000 hours of service. Left to right, Kathy Lane, Mr. Considine, Miriam Ray and Delores Ignotov.

Two volunteers were present to receive their awards for 3,000 hours of service and take a photo with Bill Considine. Left to right, Susan Kirksey, Mr. Considine and Mary Briggs.

A group of volunteers recognized for 5,000 hours of service takes a photo with Bill Considine at the breakfast. Left to right, Joanna Bird, Lois Gerstenmaier, Mr. Considine, Arthur Bailey, Don Weisel and Travis Howdyshell.

Martha Gruich, right, was recognized for serving 6,000 hours and brought Ronald McDonald along so she didn’t have to be alone in her photograph with Bill Considine.

Mary Lee Smith smiles with Bill Considine after being recognized for serving 7,000 hours.

Bill Considine shakes hands with Robert Green, thanking him for serving 9,000 hours.

Volunteers Kenneth Smith and Mary Leuca are all smiles with Bill Considine after being recognized for serving 10,000 hours.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at Akron Children’s, click here or call 330-543-8424 for more information.
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