Soroptimists Salute Health Care Heroes
She may have retired from NorthBay Healthcare in 2018 after 33 years of service, but Mary Dickey, R.N., still holds her health care colleagues close to her heart. So when her Soroptimist International of Vacaville club decided to do a fundraiser featuring signs thanking health care workers, Mary was all in.
Not only did she buy a $40 sign for her front yard, but she purchased two extras and sought permission to post a one at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville and one at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield.
“I think it’s important to let our health care colleagues know that we appreciate the work they do, and that we have their back,” said Mary.
“We were very touched by Mary’s thoughtful gesture,” said NorthBay Healthcare President and CEO B. Konard Jones. “It’s a message we try to share with our NorthBay team every day, but when you hear it’s coming from the community, it means a lot.”
Shortly after news spread of Mary’s gesture, an anonymous donor came forward to buy 10 more signs, to be placed in front of NorthBay Healthcare facilities in Vacaville and Fairfield.
The hope is that the fundraiser will help the Soroptimist group continue its outreach on a number of COVID-19 projects, according to Lisa Hilas, president. The group has paid Solano Family First Responders to provide healthy snacks and juices delivered to first responders; provided Personal Protective Equipment to those in need; paid to help women in domestic violence situations have a safe place to go; and helped sponsor the City of Vacaville’s Senior Hotline.
“We have to be very creative in how we raise funds, going forward. This seemed like a great way to not only raise money for our philanthropic purposes, but to give credit to our health care workers who are on the front lines,” said Lisa. “It’s a win-win.”
The group is asking everyone who purchases a sign to post it on social media, to further show support.
For more information about the Health Care Heroes yard sign fundraiser, visit www.vacavillesoroptimist.org.