People who offer extraordinary service in their everyday job can find satisfaction in their work by hearing a word of thanks or receiving a simple smile. Effingham Hospital and Care Center believes its top employees deserve more than these simple gestures, and instead feels strongly about offering special recognition opportunities to those who go above and beyond.

Each year, and starting as far back as 1994, employees of Effingham Hospital and Care Center nominate peers whom they believe go the extra mile to provide outstanding care and service.  To this end, members of the hospital authority would like to invite community members to join them on Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. as they reveal the name of the 2011 recipient of the annual C. Edward Helmey Humanitarian Award. The ceremony and reception with refreshments will be held in the Effingham Hospital Community Room.

The winner of this year’s award will embody the spirit of philanthropy and humanitarianism started by Mr. Helmey, one of the first members of the Effingham Hospital board of trustees.

“Mr. Helmey personified the true essence of what our hospital strives for and that’s to treat our community members with respect and dignity while meeting all of their health care needs,” said Norma Jean Morgan, CEO of Effingham Hospital and Care Center. “Mr. Helmey was an inspiration to the entire organization, and the recipient of this year’s award in his name will carry the torch of his legacy.”

For more information, visit www.Effinghamhealth.org.