Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center recently hosted its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon, and celebrated the spirit of giving back by recognizing its volunteers, including the Anna B. Lipsey Volunteer Service Award recipients, Bob and Bev Jones.
Susan and Richard Lipsey hosted the luncheon at the Baton Rouge Country Club on May 9, and presented the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, which is given in honor of Richard’s mother. Bob and Bev Jones have volunteered at the Cancer Center for more than 30 years combined. During this time, the couple’s service has been far reaching, offering assistance and compassion to patients and team members alike.
Richard Lipsey thanked the Joneses and the other volunteers for being impactful members of the Cancer Center community. “Volunteers help make the Cancer Center what it is,” said Lipsey. “The smiles on their faces, their greetings, their warmth. You can truly see their impact on patients.”
On receiving the honor, Bev Jones simply said, “When I was told I was being honored with this award, I didn’t think I deserved it because when I leave the Cancer Center every Wednesday, I have gotten a lot more than I have given.”
Anna B. Lipsey was a founder of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and served as secretary-treasurer of the Board of Directors from 1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. The Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, established in 1986, is presented each year to the volunteer(s) who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for which Lipsey was known.
Speaking at the event were Brett Furr, board chair, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; Linda Lee, administrator, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center; and Leslie McArdle, guest and volunteer services manager, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.
Mary Bird Perkins has also been honored with an award for innovation in fundraising. The Cancer Center’s development team was awarded the inaugural Innovator of the Year Team Award by the National Association of Cancer Center Development Officers (NACCDO) for its efforts in fundraising and philanthropy.
Pictured, left to right, are Todd Stevens, president and chief executive officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; Bev and Bob Jones, Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award recipients; and Linda Lee, administrator, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.