Southwest Valley residents meet for High Tea as new hospital launches volunteer program

Contact: Larissa Spraker, 623-245-6723
Date: June 17, 2003

West Valley Hospital has invited local residents to High Tea on Thursday, June 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Eagle's Nest at PebbleCreek to kick off the volunteer program at the Southwest Valley's first hospital. The participants will be treated to coffee, tea, small sandwiches and cakes in a setting typical to that of centuries past.

The hospital, not open until September 4, already has more than 30 local residents anxious to volunteer, all of whom made the initial contact with the hospital expressing interest in the program. "Having a hospital in our neighborhood is a great addition for everyone out here," said Bobbi Apple, an Avondale resident with years of hospital volunteer experience. "It gives us a chance to make a difference in someone else's life."

Like Apple, Ronald Holmes, cancer survivor, feels the same way and says he wants to volunteer his time to encourage others going through life-threatening situations. And Kathleen Powell, registered nurse, now retired, will volunteer to quench her interest in working in a hospital and love of being around people.

Volunteers with diverse backgrounds and interest levels are welcome to become part of the program, which will offer opportunities in the nursery, gift shop, information desk, patient and family relations, special projects, customer service, administrative support and more.

The hospital will hold a follow-up meeting in August, at which time a behind-the-scenes tour of the new hospital will be provided for the volunteers of West Valley Hospital. Interested volunteers should call 623.245.6723.