Marshfield Clinic is incredibly grateful for the generosity of each volunteer. Each month the Development Department selects a volunteer to feature in recognition of the dedication and service they bring to Marshfield Clinic’s philanthropic efforts. No matter the level of experience, the most important qualities are enthusiasm and a giving spirit.
Featured Volunteer: Joan & Denny Riedel
Denny and Joan Riedel have been active volunteers with Marshfield Clinic for roughly 8 years. Denny, a Marshfield native and owner of local small business The Sports Den, is described as having “endless energy”.
Joan, born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, only came to the Marshfield area to work for “one year” in the Clinic. However she explains that she “took an x-ray of a local boy, who eventually became a small business owner… and they fell in love and that one year turned into 35 years.”
Through their careers as well as their personal lives, Joan and Denny have always been committed to health and wellness. The Riedels organize the Breast Cancer Awareness Ride, Run or Walk held each October; as well as the Hub City Days Duathlon, held in July. This year will also be the First Annual Kid’s Duathlon. The Duathlon helps support the Youth Net Program which promotes educational and academic success, personal and social skills, community service opportunities, positive relationships with mentors and volunteers along with health and fitness.
The Breast Cancer Awareness event raises money for the Marshfield Clinic Mobile Imaging Unit and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Marshfield Clinic Mobile Imaging Unit works with other health care providers, educators and agencies to screen, educate and refer women for continued care and treatment.
Denny and Joan enjoy volunteering because they enjoy learning and witnessing how all of the planning comes together allowing a successful event. They also enjoy seeing all of the incredible support this community gives. We asked the couple what volunteering has taught them and their response was; “That you do need a plan and other volunteers to work the plan. We have come to realize that there are so many people that are affected by the causes we support. Last year, when we grouped together the brave women who are breast cancer survivors and participated in our event, we fully realized why we do what we do. Without the Development Department we could never have accomplished what we have. We have ideas, but they have all of the resources and encouragement to make it work.”
The Riedels are an amazing example of determination and compassion. They have seen how their work and the work of others have impacted their community. Marshfield Clinic is incredibly grateful to have such wonderful commitment to these very special and important causes.
