Washington Health Service League Celebrates 70 Years

Fremont was just named number six on the list of Most Caring Cities in the U.S. by WalletHub. Volunteering hours per capita, share of residents who fundraise, and a “pride in community” score contribute to the methodology for this ranking. Clearly, the volunteering spirit is alive and well in Fremont and one of its most robust volunteering institutions is Washington Health’s Service League of Volunteers. The health system hosted a festive luncheon event to celebrate the dedicated Service League volunteers in celebration of its 70^th anniversary.

Washington Health volunteers have donated over 2.2 million hours of service since the Service League was formed in 1955. Currently, more than 600 active volunteers in their signature burgundy shirts help out by welcoming patients and visitors in the hospital lobbies, assisting nurses with nonclinical patient needs, cuddling newborn babies in the Special Care Nursery, running the hospital gift shop, cheering patients with therapy dogs, and so much more. Fundraising is also a primary mission of the Service League which has donated more than $2 million for needed hospital equipment and programs, and $391,000 in health career scholarships to students over the years.

On April 8, nearly 100 Service League volunteers boarded a historic Niles Canyon Railway train that delivered them to Sunol’s Casa Bella Event Center for lunch and an inspiring lineup of presentations.

Washington Health CEO Kimberly Hartz gave a heartfelt address, drawing attention to the immeasurable impact of volunteerism on the health system throughout its history. She shared a poem that eloquently described the quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering presence of volunteers. Her delivery resonated with many in the room, who nodded along as the words reflected their motivations for serving.

Representatives for California State Senator Aisha Wahab and Assemblymembers Alex Lee and Liz Ortega, and also Alameda County Supervisors David Haubert and Elisa Márquez presented proclamations and certificates to the Service League. Additional officials presenting honors included Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan and Council Member Kathy Kimberlin as well as Newark Mayor Mike Hannon and Council Member Matthew Jorgens. These recognitions highlighted the vital role volunteers have played in supporting Washington Health and the broader community for seven decades.

Attendees received a specially designed “Service League 70 Years” pin featuring the health system’s new logo as a gift commemorating the occasion. Gift baskets prepared by some of the hospital departments were raffled off to lucky winners. A live jazz trio played in the background as guests mingled and enjoyed a delicious lunch and everyone enjoyed a special video presentation celebrating the volunteer program at Washington Health. Scan the below QR code to view the video.

“Washington Health has an incredibly rich history of volunteerism. In fact, the Service League was paving the way for the hospital even before it was built,” explained Director of Volunteer Services Evangeline Imana-Iyemura. “While some health care providers are eliminating their volunteer programs, Washington Health embraces its Service League and is grateful to its dedicated volunteers who hold an invaluable place at the heart of the health system.”

For more information on the Washington Health Service League, visit WashingtonHealth.com/volunteer.