Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, recently honored Margrit Bechade of Branchburg with its Alex Nilo Award for Volunteer Excellence.
Named after a long-time volunteer from Bridgewater, the Alex Nilo Award is presented annually to a volunteer who best exemplifies excellence in volunteerism and dedication to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset through actions, commitment and loyalty.
Bechade has volunteered at the hospital for 21 years, providing more than 3,800hours of service in the hospital’s Community Health Department.
“Margrit embodies teamwork. She is always willing to assist anyone with any project,” wrote Serena Collado, director of Community Health, in nominating her for the award. “Her actions exemplify teamwork, excellent customer service, communication, commitment and accountability.”
During a special Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset also recognized volunteers who achieved milestones of hours of service, including:
- Dorothy Crosby of Somerville, a volunteer in the hospital’s Blood Donor Program, who has 10,000 hours of service over 40 years.
- Kathleen Schurzky of Bridgewater, a volunteer in the hospital’s Emergency Department, who has 7,500 hours of service over 14 years.
- Michael Zurat of Bridgewater, a volunteer in the hospital’s Pastoral Care Department, who has 6,500 hours of service over 17 years.
- Josephine Vadinsky of Bound Brook, a volunteer in the hospital’s Courtesy Department and Volunteer Department, who has 5,500 hours of service over 17 years.
- Barbara O’Neal of Hillsborough, a volunteer with the hospital’s Community Health Department, Joint Surgery Center and Fit Bones Program, who has 4,000 hours of service over 19 years.
- Robert Fisher, of Somerset, a volunteer with the hospital’s Courtesy Department, who has 3,000 hours of service over 8 years.
- Richard Karig of Bridgewater, a volunteer at the hospital’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, who has 3,000 hours of service over 13 years.
- Cheryl McCollum of Hillsborough, a volunteer at the hospital’s Reception Desk, Joint Surgery Center and Courtesy Department, who has 3,000 hours of service over 9 years.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset relies on its volunteers to provide an extra dimension of care to its patients and their families. In 2018, the hospital’s 761 volunteers provided a total of 56,150 hours of service.
