Owatonna Hospital volunteer honored

 Deb began volunteering at Owatonna Hospital’s Coffee and Gift Shop in 2019 after a 36-year career leading customer service teams. She co-chaired the organization’s annual Festival of Tables event, which over two years, raised $32,000 in scholarship funds for 17 Steele County students pursuing a health-related career.

In 2024, Deb became the President of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary. With volunteer levels down following COVID and hospital volunteers no longer required to be Auxiliary members, she proactively redefined the Auxiliary’s mission, vision, and member benefits. She enhanced promotional and recruitment efforts, updated systems and processes, mentored other volunteers and formed groups to help members understand how their gifts and talents could support unbudgeted hospital needs. A positive "side effect" of her dedication has been the many new friendships she helped form.

Mary Parsons, Allina Health volunteer coordinator and award nominator, described Deb as a "strong leader, clear and concise in her instruction" as well as "fair, compassionate, and goal orientated." Parsons added, "She has a ready smile and cheerful disposition that attracts others to her."

Each year, 130 volunteers at Owatonna Hospital provide more than 2,000 hours supporting patients and visitors and more than 12,000 hours fundraising for student scholarships and needed hospital items.

"Volunteers are an important extension of our Care Team and give so much to our patients and staff," noted Whitney Johnson, Allina Health Owatonna Hospital president. "Deb is a model for what remarkable volunteerism looks like and we are so grateful she chooses to share her talents with us."