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Opelousas General Health System honors Volunteers

On Friday, December 11th, OGHS held a Christmas luncheon honoring the volunteers. Delores Kidder, Director of Volunteers spent many hours and great effort planning the event. She knows the true dedication and loyalty that the volunteers have for Opelousas General, and she wanted the event to portray to the volunteers the appreciation that the Board of Trustees and Administration has for their service.
Entertainment was provided by the music students at MACA (Magnet Academy of Cultural Arts) under the direction of their music teacher, Mr. Steve Smith. These talented students did an exceptional job of providing Christmas music for the volunteers. Also entertaining the group was Nancy Tadd Marcantel, recording artist. Her angelic voice brought tears to many eyes in the audience. Inspiring musician, Michael Ewing, Junior at Opelousas Catholic also entertained the audience with some Elvis Christmas songs and cajun music. The volunteers also enjoyed a delicious meal provided by award winning chef's, Reynold Landry, Ben Simmons and Mrs. Ruth Clues from our very own Little General Cafe'. The Guest speaker was Stella Thomas, OGHS Board Member and Principal of MACA. This is what Ms. Thomas had to say per her article in the Daily World:

I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to witness this great day, a day when OGHS recognizes and honors these great volunteers who give of themselves to make this hospital the great place of healing that it is. Words cannot express the impact their work has made on this hospital but also on this community.
I'm in this building almost every week, and you will never understand the impact volunteers have had on me. A beautiful smile and a warm hello has healing power: Often, I have seen those who have a smile or take tie to give their assistance. This has allowed them to forget their worries. To many, it is just what volunteers like to do. To us, it is a sign that they cared enough to give of themselves.
As a child, my parents always taught me that no one has to give you anything. You must be self-sufficient. However, you cannot exist without the help of others. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We were put here for a purpose, and the purpose these volunteers have accepted is one that gives our life meaning.
To say thanks to our volunteers is definitely inadequate of that they all do. They may not realize their worth, but we do better than that, a higher power does exist and these great volunteers will reap reward that will last until eternity.
Imagine having 83 volunteers at this hospital. That large number makes you realize the hours of love given each day, and the spectacular services they offer. In the year 2008-09, volunteers have given 18,401 hours, the key word is "given". They have served as adult volunteers. They took the tie to go through a special orientation (68 hours, to be exact) and all because they want to served - and do it well.
There is a statement that expresses the philosophy of OGHS, as well as the volunteers. That motto is "Our Family Caring For Yours."
The auditorium at OGHS was filled with dozens of volunteers who would be recognized and rewarded for their service with meal tokens of thanks. Much work went into preparing for the event. Delores Kidder, Director of Volunteers, and Judy Theall worked tirelessly to ensure that volunteers knew they were appreciated. On hand to share words of thanks was the chairman of the board, Wayne Gilmore, who has been on the board almost since the hospital's inception. Board member Albert Semien was also present to share words of thanks to the volunteers.
All in all, it was an honor for me to be the guest speaker for the activity. While I did share words of thanks, there is no way to truly express the multitude of love and respect.
However, a higher power knows what these volunteers have done, and he has a great reword for all of them. A special thanks must be given to Steven Smith and his high school band from the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts. The symphony provided holiday songs for the event.


539 E. Prudhomme St., Opelousas, Louisiana, 70570, (337)948-3011