Newberg Graphic Online

Hearts of Gold recipients service-minded

Recognized — Providence Newberg Health Foundation names Kriers, Werths this year’s honorees

• By: Amanda Newman  
• Published: 6/9/2010 12:00:00 PM
• Last Updated: 6/14/2010 11:14:42 AM

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Providence Newberg Health FoundationMary Jane and David Krier

   Providence Newberg Health Foundation didn’t have to look far this year for its Hearts of Gold honorees — two standout volunteer couples were working right under its nose.
   Dean and Patricia Werth have long been giving their time and money to organizations throughout the area, including Providence Newberg Medical Center. And while David and Mary Jane Krier’s volunteer service has not been as close to home, both work at the hospital — he as a family physician, she as a registered nurse.
   The Werths and Kriers were recognized for their service Tuesday at the 10th annual Hearts of Gold Celebration Luncheon.
   The Werths moved to Newberg, where Dean’s family dates back to the turn of the last century, in 1988. They had recently retired — he from a career as a chemical engineer and she from working as an educator and administrator — and decided to dedicate themselves to volunteering in the community.
   The Werths have contributed time, money and real estate to the hospital, Chehalem Park and Recreation District, the Oregon Symphony, the Portland Opera, and churches and charities throughout the area. In fact, Patricia serves on the Hearts of Gold committee.
   But don’t think she in any way lobbied for the Hearts of Gold distinction — “I was surprised that we were suggested,” she said. She left the room and did not participate in the voting.
   “This is really kind of overwhelming, but we feel really honored to be chosen ... particularly with the people we’re being honored with,” she added. “I just feel it’s important to be a part of where you live and to contribute in whatever way you can and to support others who are also contributing.”
   The Kriers are also active in the local community — they support the St. Paul Rodeo Association and are members of Newberg’s Early Bird Rotary Club — but their service also extends to the global community. The couple established the Center for Personal Restoration (CPR), which facilitates volunteer services, including numerous mission trips to Peru, by health care professionals, and Volunteer Voyages, which coordinates volunteers of any occupation or experience.
  David Krier summed up their organizations by saying they provide opportunities for people who want to volunteer. “Our favorite kind of volunteer is someone who’s never done this before,” he said, adding that it is “very rewarding” to see those volunteers return or seek other ways to give of themselves.
   The couple said they were surprised and honored to be selected by the Hearts of Gold committee. “That’s not why I’m doing all this stuff, but I’m very flattered and humbled,” David Krier said. “I think everyone on the planet needs to volunteer at some point of another.”
   “There are people all over the world that need assistance that don’t get it from their own governments,” Mary Jane Krier added. “As much as we give to other people, we receive in another way, just seeing people from other cultures ... and being welcomed into their lives.”
   The Hearts of Gold luncheon is a fund-raiser benefiting the Mike Olberding Education Fund, which provides continued education opportunities for nurses, technicians and hospital and service-area employees.
   For more information on CPR and Volunteer Voyages, visit www.cprestoration.org and www.volunteer-voyages.com.

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