Volunteers Make Big Purchases at Genesis

Volunteer groups at Genesis HealthCare System recently helped to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies, as well as pledged money to various renovation projects. The money was raised through events coordinated by volunteers such as craft bazaars; sales events at the hospitals, including jewelry, books and uniform sales; dinner theater productions and vending machine maintenance.

 

Recent purchases include $52,000 from the Charity Circle for a colonoscope for outpatient surgery, blanket warmer for the cardiac interventional recovery unit; seven Kevlar vests for Genesis security personnel; and renovations to the cafeteria at Genesis-Good Samaritan. The Bethesda Guild purchased a Holmium laser for the Genesis surgery department for $52,000. The Senior Bethesda League donated $5,000 to be used for equipment and furnishings for the Genesis-Bethesda Hospitality Shop, and the Junior Bethesda League donated money for renovations to the behavioral health unit at Genesis-Bethesda. The Transport Corp recently gave $5,000 to purchase new wheelchairs.

 

Other fund-raising activities coordinated by volunteers help to fund ongoing projects and services, such as the Junior Assembly’s card party that benefits the infant car seat program at Genesis. Another fund-raiser is the Bruce Evans Memorial Car Show sponsored by the Genesis Volunteer Advisory Council, which benefits Genesis Cancer Services. In addition, profits from spring and fall plant sales assist the Bethesda Centennial Rose Society in maintaining rose gardens at the hospital.

 

Another way Genesis volunteer groups give is through the Bethesda Volunteer/Ronnica Dodson Scholarship Fund. Each year, scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing health care degrees. Several groups, including the Bethesda Senior League, Junior League, Guild, Junior Assembly and Transport Corp, contribute to this scholarship fund.