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Grand View Hospital Auxiliary Honors Martha Otto for 35 Years of Volunteer Service

2011-10-20

On October 6, Martha Otto was presented with the Jem Bowen Award for 35 years of exceptional volunteer service and dedication to Grand View Hospital.

The Grand View Hospital Auxiliary surprised long-time Auxilian Martha Otto at its fall breakfast meeting held October 6, honoring her with the Jem Bowen Award for 35 years of exceptional volunteer service and dedication to the hospital. As Auxiliary president Darlene Leidy announced the award, Martha’s son and daughter-in-law Douglas and Katrina Imbody, sneaked into the room, joining some 40 Auxiliary members and other guests in celebration. “I don’t deserve this,” a teary-eyed Martha responded, but Leidy reassured her the recognition was indeed well-deserved and placed a huge bouquet of flowers in her arms.

Martha has been continuously involved in the organization since joining in 1976. She chaired or participated in numerous major fundraising events including balls, galas, lawn fetes, fashion shows, golf tournaments, flower sales, and other events. She served as president from 2009 to 2011.

The award was created when another longtime Auxilian, Jem Bowen, retired and moved to Washington state. With the help of technology, Martha and Jem conversed face to face on a computer monitor during the festivities via a Skype video conference call. Each remarked how good the other looked, and offered up recognition for her fellow Auxilian’s dedication.

Grand View Health Foundation Director of Development David Alderfer recalled, “Martha has been instrumental in generating a network of donors. She helped the Auxiliary to present a $1 million gift to the ‘Expanding the Vision’ capital campaign for a $56 million expansion kicked off in 2004. That was the largest construction plan in Grand View history,” Alderfer remarked. “Grand View opened two new outpatient centers, expanded the maternity wing, invested in technology, and made other capital improvements.” Last year, the Auxiliary raised funds to purchase a life-like infant Sim Baby manikin used in training staff in the Special Care Nursery. Most recently, The Auxiliary raised $150,000 toward the $1.5 million expansion and renovation of the emergency department. Alderfer added, “The Auxiliary has also supported a $10 million expansion and renovation of the maternity department, which now includes a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit operated in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, set to open soon.”

Martha continues to chair or participate in fundraising events held throughout the year including the geranium sale, golf tournament, and Festival of Lights held each December. “That holiday event alone raises over $20,000 for the hospital,” said Alderfer. Martha was also instrumental in opening the Recovery Room Thrift Shop.

Martha says she has no plans to retire from the Auxiliary. “What would I do?” she asks as she rounds the room making plans for upcoming fundraising events to benefit Grand View Hospital.

In addition to honoring Martha for her years of dedicated service, the meeting also included a presentation of the proceeds raised at the Auxiliary’s recent Merry-Go-Run 5K race benefitting hospice. Grand View Hospice Manager Carol Halcovage accepted a gift of $8,000 to help provide hospice care in the community to those in need.

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