Jeanne Payton, an SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital volunteer, has been named the newest recipient of the BEE (Be Exceptional Everyday) Award. Payton serves at the hospital’s gift shop and Mobile Meals program, as well as the Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary.

Payton’s nomination shared, “Jeanne Payton has shown her dedication and kindness countless times since we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with her. Jeanne started volunteer in May 2021 and has given more than 600 hours of her time to the hospital since. Jeanne volunteers in Ripon’s gift shop and also helps with the Mobile Meals program when the need arises. Since volunteering, she has further engaged herself by taking over as the gift shop lead while also serving as the Auxiliary’s sewing committee chair. She also continues to support the Food Services team by continuing on as an occasional status cook lead.

“When the Ripon Surgery team’s leader asked if someone could make children’s surgical hats, Jeanne happily volunteered,” the nomination continues. “She created a pattern and provided the first batch of hats that were such as success we now have sewers using Jeanne’s design to make hats for all the hospitals in our region. Jeanne has made countless sewing items upon request, picked up numerous gift shop shifts to help keep the shop open, and has even helped distribute volunteer recruitment flyers around the Ripon area communities. She truly embodies SSM Health’s mission and values. We are extremely grateful and lucky to have her as part of our team.”

The BEE Award is specifically designed to recognize non-nursing staff members who demonstrate great teamwork and communication skills, collaboration, professionalism, exemplary service, and a commitment to excellence.