Health care workers at St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) were surprised to find a flock of plastic flamingos adorning the main entrance lawn this morning during the change of shift. The flocking was set in motion by Family First of Ventura County and community leader, Al Velasquez, as a gesture of appreciation for health care workers.
“The flamingos were a pleasant surprise to us all,” said Darren Lee, President and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “We are extremely thankful for the community’s ongoing kindness and support.”
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Family First, like many other organizations, had to cancel their annual fundraising event. In lieu of their event, they used their creativity to raise funds and bring joy to the community through a “Flamingo Flocking” fundraiser. Community leader, Al Velasquez, took this opportunity to surprise health care workers at SJRMC for all that they do for the community now and always.
“The health care workers at Dignity Health St. John’s Regional are our local heroes—they have been taking care of our community forever,” says Family First program director, Lucy Cartagena. “When selecting health care facilities to flock, we just had to recognize our local health care team.”
The flamingos will stay on the St. John’s lawn until sundown. Then they will migrate to another person or organization that has earned recognition.
About Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services – all recognized for quality, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional and DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley.
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