Gathering of Thanks for VIM Supporters Oct. 12

COURT HOUSE — Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) opened in March 12, 2002, due in part to the spearheading of founding supporters and Avalon homeowners, husband and wife team Richard and Mary Shea. Richard, the former senior vice president of Campbell Soup Co., became involved with the Cape Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees in 1998.
“I had just retired and was looking for something meaningful to do,” Shea told the Herald.
His position on the board led him to hear VIM founder Jack McConnell speak at a medical conference in Naples, Fla. and Shea was inspired.
The first VIM was founded in 1993 in Hilton Head, S.C. by McConnell in response to a lack of medical care for the large number of uninsured in the area combined with a surplus of retired health care professionals interested in continuing medical service.
“There are a lot of talented people looking for something worthwhile to do,” Shea said.
Shea invited McConnell to speak before the hospital board and soon after, Cape Regional Medical Center acquired the Masonic Lodge, with the intention of establishing a VIM facility at the location.
The hospital currently leases the facility to VIM for $1 a year. With Richard serving as volunteer business manager and Mary as the fundraising coordinator, the Sheas set to work campaigning for local support for the project. Mary was responsible for enlisting major donors for construction costs, including a $25,000 debit card from Home Depot, free carpet and portions of tile from Avalon Carpet and Tile, MAB paint, and services, labor and materials from local carpenters and electricians.
“Their involvement never waned,” Peggy Quinn, VIM developmental director, said of the couple.
In a celebration of VIM’s fifth anniversary and to honor the Shea’s involvement, a first annual “ThanksGathering Excursion” will be held Oct. 12 in Tuckahoe.
The fundraising event includes a 45-minute nostalgic train ride, followed by a station dinner by The Bull and Bear Restaurant and dancing at the Tuckahoe Station House, on Railroad Avenue in Tuckahoe. The $100 ticket price benefits VIM. Cape Savings Bank is acting as the presenting sponsor.
For information, donations or sponsorship contact: (609) 463-2846.