SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Fern Riley was the Barton Auxiliary corresponding secretary in 1987 when she was in Southern California at a convention. She met a woman whose son was a doctor at Barton Health, and she herself volunteered at a hospital in Torrance, California. Fern learned about that auxiliary’s big fundraiser, cheeseball sales. Fern brought back that idea to South Lake Tahoe, and there have been cheeseball sales at Barton Health ever since.
This was just one example of Fern’s leadership over the decades she volunteered at Barton, and this week she was honored for her dedication.
Fern turns 99 years old in April. While she currently lives “off the hill,” her heart remains in Tahoe.
The Barton Auxiliary has a “Tree of Life” program where people are honored on the tree located inside the hospital with engraved leaves. This is a personal, lasting memorial; a permanent reminder of those we have loved and lost. The purchase of leaves supports the residents and visitors of Barton.
While a leaf is normally created after a person has passed away, Fern received hers as a special honor.
Members of the auxiliary were on hand to affix Fern’s gold leaf to the tree, which is located near the Barton Skilled Nursing facility.
For more information on how to purchase a tribute leaf, contact Keyla Trejo at Barton Health, ktrejo@bartonhealth.org or by phone at 530.543.5556.
