Honoring the Heart of Our Hospital: WCH Volunteers
At Wickenburg Community Hospital, we often say that healing begins with human connection. Nowhere is that more evident than in the contributions of our dedicated volunteers—individuals who show up not because they have to, but because they care.
Recently, we had the joy of hosting our annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast—a special event recognizing the remarkable people who make our mission stronger every day. Held at the beautiful Los Caballeros Golf Club, the morning was filled with laughter, gratitude, and celebration.
A Morning of Laughter, Connection, and Appreciation
To break the ice, volunteers played a spirited game of “Mingle Bingo,” a fun way to discover surprising stories among our group. We found out which volunteer once met Tiger Woods, who dated Wilt Chamberlin, and who once rode with the LA Hells Angels (yes—it was a woman!). These delightful moments brought out the vibrant personalities behind the purple volunteer vests and reminded us of the diverse paths that lead people to serve.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of our Volunteer of the Year Award. CEO Jackie Lundblad honored Shirley Aschebrock, a volunteer with nearly 14 years of service to WCH. Shirley’s contributions date back to the hospital auxiliary and the original gift shop. Her unwavering dedication was celebrated with a beautiful engraved crystal keepsake, a blooming orchid, and a bit of serendipity—winning a handcrafted quilt donated by the Vulture Peak Patchers Quilt Guild.
The Power of a Purple Heart
Each volunteer received a purple amethyst heart at their place setting—a small but meaningful token. We hope these hearts will serve as a tangible reminder of the vital role they play in our hospital community.
Volunteers at WCH are often the first point of contact for patients and visitors. Their kindness, attentiveness, and genuine helpfulness create a welcoming environment that reflects our culture of Hallway Hospitality.
Staff regularly praise their impact, noting how volunteers help improve workflow, ease stress, and bring warmth into every corner of our hospital.
By the Numbers: Volunteer Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the strength behind our volunteer program:
48 active volunteers, including 4 seasonal members
139 years of combined service
10 volunteers with over 5 years of service
8 volunteers with over 10 years of service
Those numbers tell a powerful story of commitment and community.
One quote shared at the event captured it perfectly:
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of organization and cause you want to be in.”
To our volunteers: thank you. Your presence, energy, and compassion are gifts that ripple far beyond what can be measured.
To our community: if you’ve ever considered volunteering, we invite you to explore the many ways to get involved. Whether you’d like to welcome patients, support clinical teams, help in our gift shop, or share a special skill—we would be honored to have you join our volunteer family.
Join Us in Making a Difference
You can learn more about our program and fill out an application here: 👉 www.wickhosp.com/volunteer
For questions or to schedule a one-on-one conversation, contact our AMAZING Volunteer Services Coordinator, Dory Willer at 623-303-6056 or dory.willer@wickhosp.com
Together, we are building a healthier, more connected Wickenburg—one act of service at a time.