SJRMC Volunteers May Be Featured on Oprah
Thanks to three local women who happened to be part of the studio audience at a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show in late October, some Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Volunteers might appear on the most popular mid afternoon show on television.
Ellen McCoy, Jackie Gebbie, and Lori Eagan, all of Granger were enjoying the show in Chicago when the talk show host gave each of the 316 audience members $1,000 debit cards to donate to a charitable cause back home, and a DVD recorder to tape the experience. Oprah explained the this giveaway was part of the "Pay It Forward" movement based on the Catherine Ryan Hyde novel and the film of the same name. The idea is that a positive action can have a ripple effect. Although producers haven't announced when the follow up segment will air, the Granger women were told to complete the challenge by November 5.
"We chose to give the money to people who volunteer because they give it back every day," McCoy said.
The trio selected several organizations that staff volunteers, and a call to Denise Kapsa, Saint Joseph's Volunteer Services Director, was on the agenda. They visited Saint Joseph on November 2 with gifts for very surprised Volunteers Carol MacLean, Charlie Flaim, and Rosie Braunsdorf, and their camera rolling.
"Seeing the wonderful surprise on the faces of the Volunteers absolutely made my day," Denise said. "These Volunteers represent the essence of all of our Volunteers who serve Saint Joseph."
Carol MacLean of Mishawaka has been volunteering at Saint Joseph for 21 years. Rosie Braunsdorf has accumulated almost 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the hospital since 1972. And Charlie Flaim had his knee replaced and has Parkinson's Disease, yet he volunteers at Saint Joseph at least three days a week.
"I'm stunned. I don't know what to say or do," said Charlie upon accepting the gift cards, then adding, "Thank you so much."
The producers will make their decision, choosing three of the over two hundred stories that will be submitted. If selected, the story featuring the Saint Joseph Volunteers would appear in late November or early December. Marketing will try to obtain any information in regards and will keep everyone posted . . .stay tuned!!
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