Phyllis Gaulke became a Partner in 1990, the year her husband died. “I had to get busy and do something constructive. Barbara Bretting suggested I join the hospital auxiliary.” The rest of Phyllis’s story is part of Partner’s history. She worked in the MMC Coffee Shop and the hospital’s library; she originated a guide service to help people find their way around the hospital. Phyllis worked in MMC Public Relations. She served on the Partners Board of Directors and also as treasurer.
Phyllis has worked at Senior Expo and helps with Kids’ Day at MMC. Presently she works a half-day every other week in the Coffee and Gift Shop. Phyllis has dedicated over 13,000 hours to Partners.
“I have benefited from Partners. For one thing it got me through the really difficult time after my husband died. We were new to this area and Partners helped me develop a social network. I really developed my computer skills – I had none, now I’m pretty good. I had bookkeeping skills and I got to use them,” said Gaulke.
The Coffee Shop offers light breakfast and snack items. The Gift shop has a selection of unique jewelry, household and garden decorations, toys, seasonal gifts and more. Opportunities for volunteers include cashiers, display volunteers and assistance with purchasing.
The president, president elect, secretary and treasurer make up the executive board. Ten other members serve on the board in various capacities. These individuals provide leadership to the Partners organization and attend the monthly meetings to help manage the various undertakings of the group. Besides the monthly meeting, board members attend the District Partners meeting and the State Partners conventions.
Dorothy Mihalek has been a Partner for five years. She joined after retiring from M&I Bank. She was a good friend of Gloria Scribner. Scribner managed the information desk in the hospital's main lobby for many years. Since her death, Partners has had difficulty filling the hours required to cover the desk.
The Information Desk establishes a link between physicians and patient’s families during out patient procedures The Information Desk volunteers answer phone calls, check on the status of patients and to provide information to the waiting family members.
“Gloria asked me to join and I have found it very rewarding. It’s a friendly atmosphere. Some people are upset when they come in for a procedure and I help them out. Also I like the people who are Partners and I know a lot of them. I enjoy the luncheons; there are always informative speakers. I know Partners do a lot of good things for MMC. I hope when people hear about it they will join too,” said Mihalek.
Richard Verch also works at the MMC Information Desk. He joined Partners after he retired as a professor of biology from Northland College. “When I stopped teaching full time, I looked for volunteer work. Joan Haukaas was president of Partners at the time and she suggested I join Partners. There are many good aspects of Partners plus I like that I work three hours, one day a week and I can work that into my schedule,” said Verch.
The history of volunteerism in America began in colonial times. Survival required members of the community to help one and other. The first libraries were established when citizens donated books, and volunteers helped operate or raise funds to support the institutions.
Harvard became the first American college after John Harvard donated over 400 books and funds. In 1736 Ben Franklin started the first volunteer fire department in America. Clara Barton established the Red Cross in 1881. The United Way was formed in 1887. The Rotary Club was founded in 1910, and six years later the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club was founded.
Partners of MMC was organized in 1970, two years before the hospital opened its doors, and joined the ranks of volunteer groups that historically have improved the educational, medical and overall quality of life for the general public.