Hospital Volunteers Hit $1 Million Giving Milestone

A group of hospital volunteers in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, just proved that steady kindness adds up to extraordinary impact.

The SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary reached $1 million in total giving this month, a milestone built dollar by dollar since 2011 through bake sales, volunteer hours, and unwavering community support. Every cent went directly to patient care and the people who provide it.

In 2025 alone, these volunteers raised $75,000. That money purchased a warming cradle and six rocking chairs for new mothers in the Women's Center, rolling workstations for emergency room staff, and added funds to a scholarship endowment helping train tomorrow's healthcare workers.

Pat Parnes leads the 2026 volunteer board alongside officers Mary Harlan, Pat Hearn, and Marietta Jameson. The team includes dedicated members who work behind the scenes, rarely seeking recognition for their contributions.

"Our Auxiliary volunteers offer their service quietly and compassionately, without expectation of recognition," said Rhonda Edmonson, Regional Director of Volunteer Services. Their work touches every corner of the 134-bed hospital, from advanced medical equipment to the comfort items that help patients heal.

The Ripple Effect

This million-dollar milestone represents more than fundraising success. It shows how community members can shape healthcare in their own backyard, one contribution at a time.

The auxiliary's impact extends beyond equipment purchases. Their scholarship endowment, established in 2024, helps grow the next generation of nurses, technicians, and caregivers who will serve southern Illinois for decades to come.

During the celebration recognizing new leadership, volunteers also honored Virginia Rubenacker, a longtime auxiliary member celebrating her 100th birthday. Her dedication spans generations of patient care improvements.

Kay Zibby-Damron, Foundation Director, captured the moment perfectly: "One million dollars is more than a number. Behind every dollar are countless acts of kindness, service, and belief in our mission."

The volunteers aren't stopping at seven figures—they're already planning their next round of patient care improvements.