Volunteers Honored at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s 2022 Volunteer Service Awards

Hospital Recognizes “Volunteer of the Year” Recipients and Volunteers Who Have

Provided Exceptional Service

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) presented awards to 13 exceptional hospital volunteers during its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Junior Volunteer Banquet events on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

The annual events give the hospital an opportunity to recognize its team of more than 1,000 volunteers for their dedication and exemplary service to the hospital, which includes providing vital assistance and support to the hospital and making a real difference in the lives of its patients and their families.

At the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon for its adult and college volunteer programs, PVHMC presented “Heart of the Volunteer” awards - nominations that come directly from hospital staff - to Anthony Santorufo, Radiation Oncology volunteer; Victoria Tomasso, Quality Management; Nicholas Mortaya, Medical Surgical Unit 5; Sarah Gale, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and Joan Luke, Volunteer Services Department. Two volunteers were also recognized for having an outstanding number of volunteer hours – Bee Ritchey, with 22,019 hours served, and Barbara Watts, with 28,151 hours served.

The hospital’s most prestigious volunteer award, “Volunteer of the Year,” was presented to husband and wife duo Lee and Terre Rodriguez.

“We are so grateful to Lee and Terre for their outstanding commitment to serving our hospital,” said Courtney Greaux, Director of Volunteer Services. “In addition to giving their time at more than 100 of the hospital’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics held over the past 18+ months, they are always the first to step in at hospital events and with challenging tasks. Their dedication is truly immeasurable and it is a privilege and an honor to have them on our Volunteer team.”

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At its Junior Volunteer Banquet for high school volunteers, PVHMC presented the “Heart of the Volunteer” award to Sai Kommireddy, Diabetes Education and Discharge & Escort, and “Junior Volunteer of the Year” award to Steven Tijandra, the Junior Volunteer Shift Leader.

At the closing of the Luncheon, the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Auxiliary presented an annual fundraising check of $25,000 to the hospital. Through volunteering and fundraising activities, the Auxiliary has fulfilled this gift for more than 85 years. The majority of funds come from the profits of the Tender Touch Gift Shop, as well as donations, memorials and fundraisers hosted throughout the year. Proceeds benefit the Sick Baby and Hospital Assistance Fund, which helps support the families of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients who come from far away to receive the care PVHMC offers.

To learn more, or to join PVHMC’s Volunteer Program, visit pvhmc.org/volunteer.