LAKEPORT, Calif. – In the nearly four years that Revae Leppanen has served as a member of Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s Auxiliary, she has discovered the sense of giving back to be deeply fulfilling.

Leppanen, who retired to Lake County after a 25-year career as a teacher in Napa, wanted to give back as well as meet new people.

“After I settled in, I felt the need to do something with myself other than work on my genealogy, which I’ve done for 45 years,” said Leppanen. “The auxiliary was a good opportunity to meet new people. I’ve definitely made good friends.”

The Sutter Lakeside Hospital Auxiliary consists of over 22 members who regularly volunteer their time to work in the hospital gift shop, assemble Family Birth Center gift baskets, hold bake sales, and greet surgery patients in the surgery center.

In 2016, auxiliary members worked over 6,300 hours; in the years since it began, the auxiliary has donated over $150,000 to the hospital for equipment and improvements.

“I’m very proud of that,” said Leppanen. “The auxiliary has made an immense difference through the money we give back to the hospital.”

Leppanen, who also volunteers for the hospital’s Patient Experience Council, uses her time working in the gift shop to interact with patients and lend a listening ear.

“The most rewarding thing is the interaction with the patients that come in,” said Leppanen. “We get people who are killing time, and people just want to talk. They enjoy that, and open up about how they’re feeling. I really enjoy that I’m contributing to helping them.”

Leppanen was appointed the Volunteer of the Year for 2016 for her involvement in both the auxiliary and the Patient Experience Council.

“I was totally floored,” said Leppanen. “I was thrilled and felt honored that I would be pointed out this way. I texted all my kids.”

“I am amazed by everything the volunteers do,” said Dan Peterson, chief administrative officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “They participate in such a wide range of activities and do so much good for our patients. They help make our patient experience here great, from the services they provide to the funding they generate for special projects and meaningful new services. Our auxiliary volunteers are a special group who give not only of their time, but of their energy and love by providing help to those in need.”

According to Leppanen, auxiliary is a worthy investment. “I would say that if you would like to meet a marvelous group of people, interact with patients, and feel as if you’re really contributing to your community, this is the place for you.”

To learn more about Sutter Lakeside Hospital, or to find out how to get involved, please contact Morgen Wells at 707-262-5121, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Morgen Wells is community relations and fund development coordinator.