The ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Valencia was hopping as Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital paid tribute to its volunteers with a “Volunteers Rock the World” luncheon on Thursday, April 14. Many of the 188 attendees were dressed in 1950s era poodle skirts and monogrammed white shirts and there was even a group of Pink Ladies from “Grease,” representing members of the hospital’s Auxiliary.

Toe-tapping hits from Elvis Presley and other rock and roll icons were performed by Francesca Capasso and Alicia Morgan after Maria Strmsek, Henry Mayo’s director of volunteer services, opened the event with a passage from President Obama’s tribute to National Volunteer Week, which took place April 10-16, 2011.

“I’d like to share with you a proclamation from the President so that you are aware of the impact you make on a national level,” Strmsek said.

Prior to a three-course themed lunch of salad, pot roast with mashed potatoes, and a chocolate or lemon tart, Henry Mayo Health Foundation president, Diana Vose took the stage. Vose amused the audience by reading 1950s era comments griping about high prices, such as a motel room for $5.

“One thing hasn’t changed, though, and that’s the value of our volunteers. By donating your time and talents, whether it’s providing care to patients or raising funds, you really make a difference. That really rocks,” Vose said.

Roger Seaver, Henry Mayo’s president and CEO, thanked the volunteers for the role they play in meeting the healthcare delivery needs in the community and stressing the importance of volunteerism in the future, as American healthcare legislation changes.

“We hope our appreciation can be felt every day. Please keep up the great work. We’re going to need you more and more,” Seaver said.

Speeches were also given by Craig Peters, the newly elected chair of the Henry Mayo Hospital Board of Directors, as well as Charanjit Saroa, MD, a new board member of the hospital’s Foundation.

Foundation board chair, Trudy Emeterio choked up as she spoke to the volunteers. “You’re incredible to donate your time, your energy and your love,” said Emeterio, who had been a volunteer in the hospital’s emergency room in addition to her role on the Foundation board. “I know the rewards involved with volunteering at Henry Mayo. Your participation makes a difference in so many lives. You are all amazing.”

Vose returned to the stage to receive checks from the hospital’s three fundraising arms. Auxiliary president Estelle Hoffman strode to the stage in her Pink Ladies jacket, dark wig and sunglasses.

“We volunteers provided more than 53,000 hours at Henry Mayo in 2010. That equates to a value of over $1,200,000,” Hoffman said to applause.

Turning to Vose, Hoffman announced, “It’s with great pleasure that I present a check on behalf of the Auxiliary for $64,000.”

Henry Mayo Guild president Tamra Oliner-Levine followed, presenting a check for $37,000, with funds raised from annual events including a fashion show and the Silver Rose Guild Debutante program. The Guild’s contributions benefit the hospital’s laboratory services.

Barbara Sanguinetti, Holiday Home Tour League president, handed Vose a check for $25,000, which benefits women’s services, particularly the upcoming neonatal intensive care unit, at Henry Mayo.

Lastly, Shelley Hann, who took second place at the Dancing With Our Stars charity event, raised $17,000 on behalf of the hospital.

“Wow,” Vose said following the presentations. “With events having such a tough time in this economy, I’m thrilled to receive these generous checks with appreciation. Thank you so much.”

To conclude the luncheon, Henry Mayo directors were asked to assist with the presentation of service awards. Certificates starting for 100 hours and pins for 200 hours of service and above were followed by pins for the 10, 15, 20 and 35 year club awards. Pet therapy dogs received blue and white logo