Spectrum Health volunteers pay off $150,000 Family Birthing Center pledge

Spectrum Health volunteers pay off $150,000 Family Birthing Center pledge

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The volunteers of Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital presented a $50,000 check Thursday evening to the Spectrum Health Foundation Ludington Hospital, culminating a $150,000 pledge toward the Family Birthing Center construction project. The final payment was given at the volunteer annual recognition banquet, held at Lincoln Hills Golf Club, where many of the 120 volunteers were honored for milestone achievements in volunteer hours.

“On behalf of the volunteer board at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, I am honored to present this final payment of our five-year $150,000 pledge,” said Janet Baxter, president of the volunteer board. “We are tremendously encouraged by our ability to honor this pledge, which is our largest to date, and to do so two years ahead of schedule. I’d like to thank each volunteer for all of the hard work put into this effort as well as each donor who contributed. It was a group effort and really shows what can be achieved when we all work together.”

The total pledge is part of $1.3 million raised in philanthropic support toward the Family Birthing Center project, for which construction bids were recently issued and are being reviewed.

Hospital President Randall L. Kelley told the volunteers that the birthing center renovations are expected to begin this winter and will take 10 to 11 months to complete. Due to limit space at the hospital, the birthing center will continue to operate in its present location during construction, Kelley said.

“We are extremely grateful to our volunteer board and every donor to this important project,” said Kaley Petersen, director, foundation and community services at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “The new Family Birthing Center is planned as a destination for area parents who want to deliver their babies in a modern, new facility with all of the amenities and conveniences to make the experience unforgettable. I’d like to thank every volunteer at Ludington Hospital, and all of them together for contributing this ‘personal record’ donation of $150,000.”

“Not only have our volunteers contributed philanthropically, they also continue to give of their time and talent as well,” said Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “During the last full fiscal year, volunteers collectively gave 13,712 hours to the hospital. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals who come alongside us every day to help carry out our mission of serving the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

Of the 120 hospital volunteers, 21 were honored at the recognition banquet for milestones in hours they achieved, with Ellie Huff recognized for 5000 volunteer hours. Huff has volunteered at the hospital since 1975 and is one of the longest-serving volunteers. She works delivering interoffice mail.

Volunteers at the hospital work in many departments, from greeting and registration to gift shop and fundraising. All funds raised through volunteer services go to patient-related projects. Anyone interested in volunteering at the hospital may contact Debbie Nellis, volunteer services coordinator, at 231.845.3633.