Members of the Bladen County Hospital Auxiliary were honored at an appreciation and awards banquet on Monday, April 19, at the Front Porch Restaurant in Elizabethtown. The event marked the beginning of National Volunteer Week.

David Masterson, CEO of the hospital, had the invocation before the meal. Afterwards, Masterson thanked the volunteers for the "invaluable service" they provide to Bladen County Hospital. Then he and Faye Womble, Director of Volunteers, presented certificates and tokens of appreciation to each volunteer. Forty-nine volunteers were recognized for contributing over 8,000 hours to the hospital in calendar year 2003.

Edna Suggs was presented the Bladen County Hospital Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2003.

"She joined the Auxiliary in 2001 and has been a great asset to the organization," Womble said in making the presentation. "She has volunteered many hours, particularly on the weekends, and has been a real 'go-getter.'"

"She has also served on various committees and has offered great ideas on how to better serve the patients," she added.

Masterson closed the evening with some personal comments and red a poem about volunteers. Afterwards, there was a drawing for door prizes.

Those in attendance were: Janice Allen, Dorothy Autry, Lillian Blackburn, Jane and Lloyd Breckenridge, Alma Britt, Carolyn Britt, Grace Britt, Rosalie Bryant, Pauline and J. V. Butler, Hazel Clark, Bobbie Coble, Kitty Cole, Dorris Cook, Lib Evans, Nora Gaddy, Virginia Gause and Eugenia Gooden.

Also, Nancy Hardee, Gwen Harris, Shirley Hough, Bill James, Cennie Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Annette Jordan, Marie Lewis, Mickey Nye, Adrienne Palma, Gabriela and Joel Pava, Dorothy Pervine, Evelyn Russ and Carolyn Smith.

Also, Edna Suggs, Betty Warwick, Arthur and June Watkins, Elizabeth Wilson, Kay Holsonback and Kristie Lennon.

Those not able to be present were: Mary Ellen Bowen, Uldean Bowen, Daphne Butler, Eunice Dennis, Mary Hunsaker, Joan Marion, Adeline Marion, Del Pait, Barbara Rice, Grace Robbins, Lee Singletary and Mary Stack.