The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary named Mary Gardner Volunteer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2025 and presented a $71,500 donation to the Thomas Hospital Foundation during its 63rd annual meeting on Sept. 18.

Gardner, who has volunteered more than 700 hours in the Thomas Hospital Gift Shop over the past two years, said she enjoys the experience and the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers. She works two shifts a week in the gift shop and often fills in as a substitute.

“Our atmosphere of volunteering is so open and welcoming. It feels like we’re all friends,” Gardner said in a news release. “This has been the best thing I’ve done since moving to Fairhope. I wish I had done it sooner.”

Originally from Pensacola, Gardner lived in Mississippi before moving to Fairhope 18 years ago. She is married to Gerry Gardner and together they have three daughters, two stepsons, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gardner spent 10 years as an account manager and merchandiser for a food broker and later co-owned a national sales representative group with her husband, selling food products to retail stores. Her hobbies include sewing, reading and putting puzzles together.

Gardner began volunteering at Thomas Hospital after recommendations from Auxilians Lorene Holloway and Mary Beth Smith. Fellow volunteers describe her as pleasant, helpful, friendly and funny.

Nominations for Thomas Hospital Volunteer of the Quarter are made by Auxiliary members. Forms are available in the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary office and at the Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) information desk. For information about becoming a volunteer at Thomas Hospital or Thomas Medical Center, contact the Auxiliary office.

At the annual meeting, the Auxiliary presented a $71,500 donation to the Thomas Hospital Foundation, part of a pledged $500,000 over the next seven years to support a new hospital tower scheduled for completion in September 2026 and the expansion of Thomas Hospital’s cardiovascular and surgical services.

“We so appreciate our Auxiliary’s support,” said Nathan Payne, Thomas Hospital Foundation director. “Not only do our volunteers provide valuable hours of their time, they give generously to our Foundation to ensure we have a state-of-the-art facility for our community.”

The Auxiliary raises funds through the Thomas Hospital Gift Shop and other events, including jewelry, linen and uniform sales. With 440 members, it is one of the largest hospital auxiliaries in Alabama and has donated more than $2 million to the Thomas Hospital Foundation since its founding.

For more information about volunteering at Thomas Hospital or Thomas Medical Center, call (251) 279-1686 or email auxiliary.office@infirmaryhealth.org.