Published: The Chester County Hospital Foundation Donor Report FY2012
For Joan and Peter Orr, Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA has played a significant role in their lives for over 25 years. Volunteering at Chester County Hospital and at events, assisting with raising money for Hospital programs and services and generously donating as well, the Orrs repeatedly demonstrate their pride in the Hospital, and we are equally proud of our connection with them.
Joan has been a member of the Chester County PA community her entire life. To her, this means "roots, lifetime friends, and long-time loyalty to Chester County Hospital and community." She fell in love with Chester County Hospital in 1948 when she came to the Hospital to learn to be a Radiology Technician. It was not long after Peter moved here from Oregon that he developed his own interest in and love for the Hospital. He states, "It is always enjoyable working with such a great group of people, from the Chester County Hospital staff, to the other Volunteers, they are all dedicated and moving in the same direction."
Joan and Peter began volunteering at Chester County Hospital after they retired in the 1980s. They both feel compelled to the support the efforts of the local Hospital and to improve the medical services offered here in West Chester, PA. Their volunteer efforts have taken many forms over the last 25 years.
For their work inside the Chester County Hospital walls, Joan is an Ambassador, which entails visiting patients to offer help and to assist with answering patient questions. Joan finds her work as an Ambassador fulfilling, especially when she can solve some of the patients' requests. Peter works as a Patient Escort, and he enjoys meeting patients when they are discharged. He agrees that it is rewarding for him to work with the patients.
Their involvement with Chester County Hospital's Special Events started with their participation in the May Festival, working on the Tent Committee. They became the only husband and wife Chair and Co-Chair of the May Festival Committee. Shortly after, they began working on Chester County Day, where Joan organized the distribution of the Chester County Day newspapers each year, and Peter took over the scheduling of bus tours for the Day.
For about 20 years, Joan has served as President of the West Chester Day branch of the Women's Auxiliary. Peter joined the Men of Chester County Hospital about 15 years ago, soon after it was organized by Dr. Larry Lathrop. Both groups are responsible for various fundraising activities that support Hospital programs and services.
Presently, Joan and Peter both serve on the May Festival Gala Committee, where they are involved in various projects. One of Peter's favorites is his design and building of decorations to go along with the different May Festival Gala themes. They are also involved with the Raffle Committee and are responsible for driving the car that is being raffled off to the various sales positions around the county.
Joan and Peter have further demonstrated their commitment by being members of our Capping Society, which recognizes donors who give for five consecutive years or more. They have been donors for 27 consecutive years, supporting Chester County Hospital's annual giving program, special fundraising initiatives as well as special events. Joan and Peter both look forward to continuing service and financial support to Chester County Hospital as it moves into the future with the new construction project. When asked about their membership in the 1892 Society, our planned giving society, Joan and Peter comment, "We want to support Chester County Hospital not only at the present, but to help insure the future and continuation of the Hospital."