Starlet G. Zarek of Alexandria was honored last month for her 25 years of service to The Twig, the junior auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital.
During the organization’s June 3 annual meeting, Zarek was recognized with a distinguished 25-year-award for her years of volunteering for Inova Alexandria Hospital, which includes serving as a past president and other leadership positions, working her monthly shifts at the organization’s Thrift Shop on South Columbus Street, and attending monthly membership meetings.
The Twig is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization of women dedicated to providing financial aid, volunteer service and support to Inova Alexandria Hospital. The organization has raised more than $3.2 million for hospital programs and equipment, including construction of the $1 million Twig Surgical Center, featuring 24 single-patient rooms dedicated to the care of post-surgical patients. M
uch of the money raised by the Twig comes through sales at its Thrift Shop, which has been in operation at its current location since the early 1970s.
“Starlet has left her mark on The Twig,” said incoming President Yvonne Folkerts. “She has been an active member of this organization, giving her time and talent again and again over the years.”
Zarek was elected president for the 2004-2005 year. During that time, Zarek led the organization to award the hospital its first Twig Pavilion, a 16 single-room patient telemetry unit; oversaw a total “facelift” of The Thrift Shop; instituted stronger quality control measures to ensure better merchandise at all times at The Thrift Shop; and established a system for members’ high school-aged children to receive credit for community service hours by volunteering at the shop.
“I am so honored,” Zarek said at the luncheon. “Twig is such a wonderful organization that does so much for our community. I have loved every minute of working with all of you on behalf of our hospital.”