Legacy of Wethersfield Friends Honored
After 22 years of dedicated service, the Wethersfield Friends of VNA HealthCare, a local home health care and hospice agency, recently retired. The group was given a special award at a volunteer luncheon held at Elizabeth Park Pond House, Hartford.
The Wethersfield Friends group was founded by Bill Willsey, a lifelong resident of Wethersfield. This consummate volunteer seized every opportunity to bring compassionate care to his fellow community members. In addition to chairing the Wethersfield Friends, Bill served on the VNA Fund board for twelve years and was a Friendly Visitor and Meals on Wheels volunteer along with his wife Joyce. Bill died five years ago and his family attended the awards ceremony.
The Friends raised $25,000 over the years by holding events such as the Kids Helping Kids Roller Derby to support children’s Hospice care; making bowls of chili, clam chowder and cornbread for the Wethersfield CornFest; selling cords of wood in the holiday season; three High Tea fundraisers at the Mainly Tea restaurant, and making chocolate chip cookies wrapped by the Cookie Couriers—and delivered to the homebound year after year.
In presenting the award, Ellen Rothberg, President and CEO of VNA HealthCare stated, “We’ve loved very minute of working with you! The job you’ve done is exceptional.”
For more information about volunteering with VNA HealthCare Meals on Wheels, hospice or other programs, please contact Susan Wright, at swright@vnahealthcare.org or (860) 493-7166.
Caption: (left to right) Ellen Rothberg, President and CEO VNA HealthCare, congratulates Wethersfield Friends volunteers: Grace Piencikowski, Gerry Seklecki, Clare Meade, Director Leadership Giving, Cindy Brown, Estelle Knurek, Jane-Helen Ross, Joan Haines, Sue Miller, Deene Morris, Vice-President Development and Ruth Matthews.
