Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) Auxiliary recently celebrated its 75th anniversary during its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing volunteers whose service has helped shape healthcare experiences for patients, families and visitors across the region.
Founded in 1951 before Hall County Hospital opened its doors later that year, the Auxiliary was created by community members who wanted to support their new hospital. Today, nearly 700 volunteers serve across all five of the system’s acute-care hospitals, contributing more than 117,000 hours of service this year. Since its founding, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $10.5 million to support healthcare services, capital improvements and other initiatives to enhance experiences for patients and visitors across NGHS.
“For 75 years, our volunteers have consistently provided the same warm welcome and human connection that have been so important throughout our history,” said Matt Hanley, president and CEO of NGHS. “Through every chapter of our organization’s growth, volunteers have helped create the compassionate culture that defines NGHS today. Every hour a volunteer serves represents something much greater than a task completed – it represents a patient who felt less alone, a family member who felt supported, or a team member who was able to focus on care because a volunteer stepped in to help.”
The annual lunch celebration included recognition of volunteers who achieved significant service milestones. This year, NGHS recognized 183 volunteers who collectively contributed more than 117,000 hours of service. Several volunteer awards were also presented:
- The 2026 Joan Kosmala Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Kaye Trivette and Bill Trivette, a husband and wife who have served more than 2,800 combined hours of service in a variety of roles including the NICU, Ronnie Green Heart Center, volunteer shuttle service and the Window Shops.
- The 2026 Nell Whelchel Wiegand Patient Friend Award was presented to Lori Luders, a volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton recognized for her compassionate service and commitment to helping patients, visitors and fellow volunteers feel welcome and supported.
- The 2026 Marjorie Covington Smith Auxilian of the Year Award was presented to Jan Gorman, a longtime volunteer and life member of the Auxiliary who has served patients and families through roles including Emergency Department Patient Friend, shuttle driver and Mended Hearts visitor.
“From the very beginning in 1951, the Auxiliary has embodied the spirit of service and generosity,” said Natalie Challen, president of the NGHS Auxiliary. “For 75 years, volunteers have helped create meaningful connections with patients, families and team members while supporting our mission in countless ways. We are proud of that legacy and excited about the future of the Auxiliary.”
To learn more about volunteering at NGHS, or to join the NGHS Auxiliary, visit nghs.com/auxiliary.
About NGHS
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team of more than 1,500 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties cares for more than 1 million people across the region through seven hospitals and dozens of other locations and practices. Our acute care hospitals, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), have a total of more than 1,000 beds across a Level I Trauma Center in Gainesville and other locations in Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest. NGHS’ specialty hospitals also provide individualized rehabilitation programs for medical conditions and injuries through The Rehabilitation Institute in Gainesville, as well as inpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment at Laurelwood on the campus of NGMC Gainesville. Learn more at nghs.com.