Courtesy Photo MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena volunteers present a check for $75,000 to assist with funding an intravascular ultrasound unit for cardiovascular patients.

ALPENA — MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena recently hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House, celebrating another year of their many volunteers’ achievements. The annual banquet honors the group’s hard work and dedication to providing supplemental services to the Medical Center.

Liz Larsen, volunteer coordinator, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said of the event, “Having a banquet to celebrate our volunteers is incredibly important. We want them to understand the magnitude of their contributions and be sure they are aware of the impact of their work and their value to the Medical Center. We are extremely fortunate to have such a robust team here in Alpena. They truly enhance our ability to provide excellent patient care. I am truly grateful for all of our volunteers and each of their contributions.”

Last year, the medical center volunteers donated more than 14,000 hours of their time, serving as lobby greeters, surgical lounge aides and escorts, among other positions. Volunteers also donated all proceeds from their various fundraisers such as the annual Koeze Nut Sale and profits from The Gift Corner, the Medical Center’s gift shop.

During the banquet, Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation in Alpena, and Hunter Nostrant, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, were presented with a check for $75,000 from the volunteers. This gift will assist with funding an intravascular ultrasound unit for cardiovascular patients, including cardiac stenting procedures.

“The Medical Center’s volunteers are part of an impressive legacy of giving and they continue to build upon this each year,” Diamond said. “Their gifts of time, money and expertise make an important and lasting impact. Liz deserves a lot of credit for the great job she does ensuring there are plenty of meaningful opportunities and options for our volunteers. I’m glad to be able to attend the volunteer banquet and thank the volunteers once again for their good work.”

Over the years, the MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena volunteers have made significant contributions to major renovations, purchasing state-of-the-art equipment and providing for other capital projects. This includes the Alpena Cancer Center, the Emergency Department renovation and the now complete Patient Tower expansion. The group’s hard work has yielded impressive outcomes as they have donated over $2.6 million to the Medical Center. The volunteers’ efforts continue to impact the medical center, its programs, and its many patients and staff.

Volunteers are a valuable asset to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Their presence and the assistance they provide enhances the quality of care offered to patients and their families. There are a variety of current and future areas where volunteers can serve.

Those interested in more information on volunteering or MyMichigan’s volunteer services program in Alpena may contact Larsen at elizabeth.larsen@mymichigan.org or call 989-356-7546.