After nearly 30 years of community involvement, I consider volunteerism a unique and challenging career opportunity and one that has brought me elbow-to-elbow with some of the most talented and committed individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Whether raising funds for the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Medical Center or for a new campus center for Walsh University, or just holding the hands of residents at Bethany Nursing Home as they share their favorite memories, the rewards are immeasurable.
To give back in a small way for the many blessings in my life has been richly satisfying, and I encourage everyone to strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
About GRETCHEN
WHO: Gretchen A. Graham
WHAT: Community volunteer
ORGANIZATIONS: Currently devotions chairwoman of Walsh Women’s Committee, member of Walsh University Board of Directors, Walsh University Advisory Board honorary; Mercy Service League corresponding secretary; Mercy Medical Center Fund Development Board; Mercy Medical Center Centennial Ball Outreach Committee; Mercy Ministries Board; Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine; Early Childhood Resource Center Advisory Board; chairwoman of Alliance of the Stark County Dental Society membership; member of the Alliance of the Stark County Dental Health and Education Committee 1978-present; and 15-year weekly volunteer at Bethany Nursing Home.
Past affiliations include co-chairwoman, Mercy Medical Center Harvest Ball 2006; Timken Mercy Medical Center board of trustees; Timken Mercy Gift Shop Committee and buyer; Timken Mercy Designer Showhouses Committee; co-chairwoman, Walsh University House Raffle, chairwoman, Walsh University Fashion Show; Walsh University Development Committee; chairwoman, Walsh University Kentucky Derby Program; 10-year volunteer, St. Michael School Library; initiated and implemented a “one-on-one” program for residents at House of Loreto using hand puppets; and membership in National Alliance of Mental Illness.
OTHER: She has served on the Central Catholic High School capital improvements campaign, was a United Way major, was sponsorship chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s Circus Gala, served on Walsh University capital campaign dental division, and was Women’s Committee co-chairwoman of the Walsh University annual fund drive.
She was the Junior League of Canton’s 1995 Woman of the Year community award recipient, and received the 2008 Beulah K. Spencer Award for membership provided by the Alliance of the American Dental Association.
Graham is married to Dr. Thomas F. Graham and has two sons, Chad and Michael, and two grandsons.
