Current news and updates regarding the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Community.
Bid on an Radiant Diamond from Spath Jewelers at the Swan Derby!
At the Swan Derby VIP Reception, Spath Jewelers is hosting a special auction featuring a breathtaking 2.62-carat radiant cut lab-grown diamond. This exceptional diamond boasts a stunning J VS1 clarity, delivering remarkable brilliance and fire. Known for its eco-friendly and sustainable origin, this lab-grown diamond is an ethical choice for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.
With a retail price of $2,000, this diamond presents an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to add a touch of elegance to their collection or create a bespoke piece of jewelry. The diamond is offered without a setting, giving the winning bidder the creative freedom to craft a custom masterpiece that reflects their personal style.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in this exciting auction and bring home a glittering gem that is sure to captivate and inspire. Join us at the Swan Derby VIP Reception for an evening of elegance and unforgettable moments!
To watch a video and learn more about this partnership with Spath Jewelers CLICK HERE!
Swan Derby 2024 VIP AmFund Auction
The VIP event at the Swan Derby on April 26th features a special AmFund auction, where attendees can bid on extraordinary trips while supporting LVIM. The auction will take place exclusively during the VIP party, offering guests the chance to secure unforgettable adventures while contributing to a worthy cause.
Here’s a glimpse of the incredible trips available for bidding:
- Tropical Costa Rica – Starting bid: $4,900
- Sedona Spa Package – Starting bid: $4,300
- Alaska Cruise – Starting bid: $5,900
- San Francisco & Napa Valley – Starting bid: $3,900
- I Love New York City! – Starting bid: $3,700
- Canadian Rockies – Starting bid: $5,900
- Croatia – Starting bid: $4,100
- Greece and the Greek Islands – Starting bid: $7,400
Click on each trip for more details and get ready to embark on an adventure! Your participation in the AmFund auction not only gives you the chance to explore the world but also makes a positive impact on the community through LVIM. Join us at the Swan Derby VIP Reception for an evening of excitement, philanthropy, and extraordinary travel opportunities!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
As we wrap up LVIM’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to these companies for their incredible support. This week has been a resounding success, thanks in no small part to their generous contributions!
Their donations of gift cards, door prize items, and meals for our volunteers are a true highlight of the week. They not only added excitement and fun to the events, but they also made our volunteers feel truly valued and appreciated. Their support played a crucial role in helping us celebrate the heart and soul of our mission: the amazing people who give their time and energy to make a difference in our community.
We are truly grateful for their partnership and commitment to our cause. Please find the list of our sponsors below:
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Abuelo’s
Azteca D’Oro Lakeland
Bonefish Grill Lakeland
Bradley Flower Shop
Burger 21 Lakeland
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Egg Station
First Watch N Lakeland
Fish City Grill
Flowers by Edith
Fuzzy’s Taco
Garden Bistro
Gibsonia Flowers
Good Thyme
Grillsmith Lakeland
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Jason’s Deli
Jeff Wells, Metrc, LLV
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q
Kitty Cat Lounge
Palace Pizza Downtown
Polk Art Museum
Scout & Tag
Swan Brewing
Tijuana Flats
Thank you for being a part of the LVIM family and for helping us honor our volunteers in such a memorable way.
April 2024 Volunteer of the Month
Join us in celebrating Christian Avian, our April 2024 Volunteer of the Month!♥️
Christian dedicates his Wednesday afternoons as a Patient Scheduler at LVIM and has accumulated over 200 volunteer hours over 11 months! His favorite part about volunteering with us is his connections with fellow volunteers and patients which truly enrich his volunteering experience. When he’s not at his full-time job or LVIM, he cherishes moments with his family and tinkers around the house fixing things.
Congratulations, Christian, and thank you for your invaluable contribution to our community. 🙌
Super Ticket FLASH SALE!!
OFFER HAS EXPIRED.
We’re not FOOLING around… Super Tickets are HALF-PRICE this week only!🎟️✨ Purchase your tickets at HERE! 🦢 All winners will be drawn at the Swan Derby on Friday, April 26, 2024. Can’t make it? No worries – you don’t have to be present to win! We’ll contact you afterward to arrange pickup. Don’t miss out on this chance!
How the Heart Led the Way
Edith’s Story with LVIM
When Edith walked past Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine on her way to work, she noticed the heart in LVIM’s logo. Curious, she decided to step into the clinic and learn more about it. From the moment she entered LVIM, Edith noticed a difference in the people she encountered compared to other healthcare facilities she had visited. From the enrollment volunteers to her healthcare providers, she felt that everyone wanted to help her and genuinely cared about her and the work they were doing.
Before finding LVIM, Edith struggled with Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. She didn’t always have access to medical check-ups or the medication she needed. Alongside her diabetes, she also struggled with rheumatoid arthritis, which inflicted significant pain upon her. Through LVIM’s Collaborative Care model, Edith began receiving mental health services, including prescribed medications from LVIM’s Pharmacy and Publix’s pharmacy. She expressed that this comprehensive approach to her health, addressing both physical and mental aspects, had made a significant difference in her life. She feels cared for as a whole person, rather than just being evaluated for her conditions.
Through LVIM’s Steps to Good Health program, funded by the GiveWell Community Foundation, Edith received a free YMCA membership to help her in reaching her medical goals through physical exercise alongside her prescribed medications. This program enabled Edith to engage in regular exercise and even learn how to swim, which helped alleviate the pain from her arthritis.
Despite the obstacles posed by her arthritis, Edith worked very hard to manage her diabetes. With the support of the YMCA program and her medications, she successfully lowered her A1c from 13.7 to 8.8 and her rheumatoid arthritis pain has lessened. Additionally, her mental health is improving through the care provided by LVIM’s Collaborative Care model. Edith emphasized that without the cost-free services at LVIM, she would not have been able to afford the care and medications necessary to manage her health issues.
Welcome, Beth Hill!
We’re thrilled to introduce Beth Hill, the newest addition to the LVIM Team! 🌟 As LVIM’s Director of Donor Relations, Beth brings a wealth of experience from her role as Senior Director of Workplace Campaigns at United Way of Central Florida. Her passion for fostering meaningful connections and her dedication to philanthropy make her the perfect fit for our mission.
At LVIM, we’ve seen incredible growth over the years, and with our operating budget now twice the size it was in 2017, expanding our development team has become a necessity. Beth’s expertise will allow us to enhance our focus on individual donors, stewardship campaigns, and donor portfolios, while Sonia Glisson continues to lead our efforts with corporate donors and events.
Join us in extending a warm welcome to Beth as she embarks on this exciting journey with LVIM. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Congratulations, Michelle Snover!
We are excited to announce that Michelle Snover has started in her new position as LVIM’s Healthy Living Coach!
Michelle has volunteered with LVIM since 2020 in a variety of roles. Most recently, Michelle stepped in to manage the LVIM lab and has done so with grace and professionalism. Her passion, kindness, eagerness to learn, and positive outlook shine. She is excited to put her nursing skills and knowledge to work to help LVIM’s patients ultimately live healthier lives.
This position is fully funded through a grant provided by Baycare and will have the primary purpose of assisting LVIM patients diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes with behavior modification and lifestyle changes to improve the management of blood glucose levels.
Congratulations, Michelle, on your new position!
March 2024 Volunteer of the Month
Join us in celebrating Ingrid Foster, our March 2024 Volunteer of the Month!♥️
With 17 years of dedicated service at LVIM, Ingrid has contributed 1,500 volunteer hours, valued at an incredible $49,116.03! As LVIM’s Radiologic Technologist, you might recognize her if you’ve ever received an X-ray at our facility, however, Ingrid also volunteers in our Medical Records department, as a Medical Coder, and during our Mobile Food Pantry. Ingrid’s impact is truly immeasurable.
When she’s not at LVIM, you can find her volunteering at the Lakeland Runners Club, doing yard work, crocheting, or enjoying quality time with her grandkids. Ingrid’s passion for helping others and her appreciation for our LVIM family make her an invaluable part of our team. Thank you, Ingrid, for all that you do!
