Pink Ladies: your purchases are keeping our babies warm

Some of the most dedicated volunteers at RRH are “tickled pink” (if you'll pardon the pun) that the funds raised this year in the hospital lobby's gift shop have helped them purchase baby warmers for the labor and delivery ward.

“Each year we use the money from the gift shop to help purchase something that benefits our hospital patients,” said Karen Rivers, President of the Pink Ladies.

“Last year we raised $17,000,” she said. “We are not sure how much money we are going to have this year, because a lot of it comes during the Christmas season. But we are hoping to reach at least $16,500 to pay for a new baby warmer this year.”

The Pink Ladies are a small but mighty group of women (and occasionally a “Blue Man”) who attend the gift shop, as well as visit patients in Bella Sera to make sure they have beverages, reading material, and a smile from someone who cares.

“It's amazing the difference that makes to people who have to stay in bed all day. Our volunteers love being able to make a difference in people's lives, and I think our residents and patients are happy to see us.”

Rivers, like many of her fellow volunteers, has spent most of her life in the Indian Wells Valley. “I moved here in 1954 when I was in third grade,” she said. All four of her children and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born here, and they all still live and work in the valley. Rivers also worked here until she retired in 2011.

“I just love Ridgecrest and I never want to leave.”

Volunteering with the Pink Ladies is one of the ways she gives back to the community she loves.

With the 2024 gift shop proceeds the Pink Ladies were able to purchase two treadmills for the cardiac care unit and some traveling glucose monitoring kits. “This year I brought up the idea of the baby warmers at our meeting, and everyone was so excited about this!”

The RRH Gift Shop keeps snacks and novelties on hand for visitors to purchase when they visit patients. But Rivers noted that there are many things that make great Christmas presents as well.

“As you can see, all the proceeds will be donated to a very good cause.”

“We are so grateful to the Pink Ladies for everything they do to support our hospital, and to the community members who support this cause through the gift shop,” said James A. Suver, RRH CEO.

Pictured are Pink Ladies Karen Rivers President and Treasurer Elena Ennis. Courtesy photo. Photo by Zachary Wolfe.