Media Contact: Michael Schwartzberg, GBMC Media Relations Manager

(O): 443-849-2126/Cell: 410-258-3465eMarch 2:]

Timonium Resident Recognized For

More Than 16,000 Hours Of Volunteering at GBMC

BALTIMORE, Md. –  June 27, 2007 –   For Dolores Bolte of Timonium, Greater Baltimore Medical Center is like a second home.  During the past 31 years, the 79-year-old Bolte has accumulated more than 16,560 hours volunteering for the hospital, selfless efforts for which she was recently recognized with the Daughters of the American Revolution Commodore Joshua Barney-John Eager Howard Chapter Excellence in Community Service Award.

“It’s very nice to receive this award but that’s not why I volunteer,” said Bolte, a resident of Mercy Ridge.  “The people I volunteer with are very pleasant and make the experience fun.”  Bolte volunteers with GBMC’s Nearly New sale, typically spending several days each week at the hospital.  Held twice a year, Nearly New is one of the main fundraisers for GBMC, generating nearly $250,000 annually.

“Dolores is a kind, unassuming lady, and we are grateful for her dedication to GBMC and its patients,” said Mary Pat Marzullo, the hospital’s director of volunteers.  “She goes well beyond what the average community volunteer does.”

Dolores’ relationship with GBMC began more than three decades ago, when she was playing golf with a Nearly New volunteer and inquired if there was a need for additional volunteers. She has been a mainstay ever since, volunteering in all areas of Nearly New, including serving six times as the event’s chairperson.

A widow, mother of four grown children and grandparent of nine, Bolte continues to build upon special memories of her years with Nearly New.  She fondly recalls a man’s wig she found and couldn’t resist buying for her husband, who entertained friends often by showing up at parties with his new “hair.”

There are about 800 active GBMC and Hospice of Baltimore volunteers, and Bolte holds the recognition of contributing the most hours of service. “She is dedicated, hard working and fun to be with,” said Marzullo.

About GBMC

GBMC includes Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Central Maryland’s leading community hospital; Hospice of Baltimore, which provides comfort and care to patients with life-limiting illnesses; and the GBMC Foundation, which supports the GBMC mission by managing fundraising efforts.  The 292-bed Medical Center, located on a beautiful suburban campus, serves nearly 22,000 inpatients annually and provides approximately 60,000 emergency room visits. For more information, go to www.gbmc.org

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