Oaklawn Auxiliary Luncheon honors volunteers

For the first time since 2019, Oaklawn held its Auxiliary Luncheon, honoring the Oaklawn Auxiliary and its volunteers, including Bobbi Machata  and Linda Noble, who were honored for their 55 and 50 years of service respectively at the April 17 event held at the Franke Center for the Arts.

The Oaklawn Auxiliary has raised significant sums of money for patient care and dedicated countless hours to assisting patients and visitors during its more than 60-year history. This entirely volunteer group manages and staffs the Gift Shop and Information Desks, assists with blood drives and makes many other valuable contributions to the hospital in time and money.

“it was a very nice luncheon, and  it was a nice way for the hospital to thank the Auxiliary,” said Machata, who noted she was surprised to be honored for her 55 years with the Auxiliary. “I joined in 1969 and I had already received my 50-year pin. In fact, I was wearing it that day, so I was surprised that they honored me again.”

Machata added that it’s nice to have the spotlight on the Auxiliary again following the pandemic and that upcoming Auxiliary events this summer include Purse Bingo and another Bunco Night. (The Auxiliary’s first Bunco Night was held April 23.)

Noble  said she remembers sitting in the old Dugout restaurant in down Marshall 50 years ago when she was told about the Auxiliary

“The person I was with said,  ‘Why don’t you come and join the Auxiliary? So, I did,’” said Noble, who attended the luncheon with her sister-in-law Elaine Noneman, who was recognized for her 25 years of service with the Auxiliary. “I do enjoy being part of the Auxiliary and supporting Oaklawn. It’s nice that the volunteers get recognized for all that they do.”

For information about becoming a member of the Oaklawn Auxiliary, please call 269-789-3942 or go online to oaklawnhospital.org/volunteer/.