Oaklawn Auxiliary volunteers honored for 50 years of service

Oaklawn held its Auxiliary Luncheon on April 23 which honored the Auxiliary and its volunteers, including 50-year members Sharon Kiessling and Bonnie Bidwell, who were recognized for their service at the event held at Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall.

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 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 terms of time and money.

“Bonnie and I have been friends for 60 years and this was something we decided to do together,” said Kiessling on joining the Auxiliary 50 years ago. “We joined with a third friend, Joanne McKeever, who has passed away. But she was the one who got us to come.”

Oaklawn President and CEO Gregg Beeg said Bidwell and Kiesling “represent the very heart of Oaklawn.”

“Their 50 years of unwavering dedication through the Oaklawn Auxiliary is a remarkable milestone—not just in longevity, but in meaningful service to our patients, staff and community,” said Beeg. “We are profoundly grateful for the care, compassion and commitment they have shown every single day.”

Bidwell said she and her friend help out in the gift shop as often as they can, including every Monday and Friday.

“We help gather items and help arrange things,” said Bidwell. “It doesn’t feel like 50 years. I haven’t paid any attention to the time, but I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Joked Kiesling: “We’ll keep doing this until they want to get rid of us.”

Kiesling said she met Bidwell when she moved into their Marshall neighborhood 60 years ago.

“Bonnie showed up knocking at my door and she had a pony,” said Kiesling.

Added Bidwell: “I had just moved in and didn’t know my neighbors yet,  so I hooked the pony up to the cart and drove it to her house and said, ‘I’m your neighbor.’”

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