PRESS RELEASE

December 1, 2008                                           CONTACT:    Candy Bruno, Volunteer Coordinator

                                                                                                Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Ctr.

218-625-6408

For Immediate Release:

Chris Jensen Auxiliary to Receive County’s Volunteer Excellence Award

The Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary will be honored with a Volunteer Excellence Award presented by the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners in recognition of the Auxiliary’s 15 years of service to the residents and staff of the County owned nursing home at the December 2nd meeting of the County Board. The Chris Jensen Auxiliary was chartered in December of 1993 for the purpose of “enriching the lives of the residents, supporting the families of residents, encouraging the staff, and developing community awareness of these needs.”

During the past 15 years, the Auxiliary has opened and operated an onsite “Country Store” and has conducted numerous fund raisers. Auxiliary service projects include Pie & Ice Cream Socials, beautification of the Chris Jensen campus grounds, seasonal decorating, providing regular entertainment, bingo prizes, bus trips, and other resident-centered activities. Over the past 15 years the Auxiliary has contributed more than $186,000 in purchases which enhance quality of care and life of the residents at Chris Jensen.

The St. Louis County Board congratulates the members of the Chris Jensen Auxiliary on their 15th anniversary and recognizes these valuable volunteers for their generous gifts of time, talent, and energy in contributing to the exceptional quality of life in our region.

The 2008 -2009 Chris Jensen Auxiliary Officers include:  Marian Levine, President; Alyce Santa, President Elect; Connie Engelstad, Past President; Bea Jacobson, Vice President; Jeanne Adamski, Secretary; Mabel Schauland, Treasurer; and Maxine Lodmell, Assistant Treasurer.

# # #