CVAHCS staff honored at Employee Appreciation Day
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The William Jennings Bryan Dorn Columbia VA Health Care System, (CVAHCS), hosted an Employee Appreciation event recently that included a cookout, live music, and raffle prizes.
“Everyone was happy, and I think excited to have an event post COVID,” said Amanda Bonner, Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing supervisor at CVAHCS. “It's nice to get together and see people face to face instead of behind a computer screen.”
Local businesses contributed as a way of showing appreciation to the workers at #CVAHCS. “It’s extremely important to be able to tell those folks and organizations that continuously support our #Veterans, “Thank you,”” said Dean Durham from the Drill Sergeants Association. “This was all about showing appreciation and thanks.”
Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia brought a cooker and provided 500 hamburgers for the event. “It’s very important what they do for the Veterans,” said John Wilczek, Product Specialist for the dealership. “We help out whenever we can.”
The Home Depot had approximately two dozen volunteers and provided food. “Team Home Depot has performed several projects at CVAHCS,” said Meagan Gustyn, the Harbison Home Depot store manager. “We have supported Mr. Durham on several projects helping Veterans.”
Dick Dyer and Associates also donated and had several of their vehicles on display. “Our direct contact with the VA is Mr. Dean Durham,” said Roy Chaney, a sales consultant at Dick Dyer. “He has approached us, and we have participated in The Fisher House project and VA Employee Day and Memorial Day festivities in the past.”
The event was well received by CVAHCS employees. The food line wrapped around Building 106 from a half an hour before the start time until almost 2:00 pm.
“Thursday’s luncheon was a fun way to end the week. People were laughing and talking to others outside of their normal departments,” said Kathryn Weagraff, a registered nurse. “The food was good, and they even offered plant-based options. It was also fun checking out the Mercedes’, dreaming is always good.”
A local band, The Reggie Sullivan Band, provided live music. The Home Depot provided a table of assorted items for the raffle prizes. Yummi Crab, a local seafood restaurant, provided gift cards for the raffle.
The Employee Appreciation Day was a success, for the employees and the community support. “I'm sure community representatives are glad to be able to be involved with the VA again,” said Bonner. “Involvement with the Columbia VA -Veterans and Employees, gives the community a sense of pride.”