FROM STAFF REPORTS

BIRMINGHAM – Children’s of Alabama recently recognized its long-term employees, including a Chelsea resident, at its annual employee service awards banquet.

The state’s only freestanding pediatric medical facility set aside a special night to celebrate employees who dedicate years of serving children across the state of Alabama. The annual celebration honored employees ranging from five years of service all the way to 45 years of service.

The evening’s highest honor went to Bette Jolly of Chelsea, who celebrated her 45th year of service at Children’s this year.

Sherrlyn Castor, Alan Gudaitis, Joyce January, Mary Jones, Dorothy Ridley, Shirley Rogers, Robbie Taylor, Loretta Hill, Gary Frizzle and Tom Vaughn were recognized for 40 years of service.

Mickey Armstrong, Denise Godsey, Deidra Farris, Chuck Benford and Craig Wooten were recognized for 35 years of service at Children’s.

The event was held at the Sheraton with hosts Janice Rogers and Jeh Jeh Pruitt of WBRC Fox 6. Top Secret provided musical entertainment.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 42 other states and seven foreign countries last year, representing more than 677,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions.

With more than 3.5 million square feet, Children’s is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. More information is available at childrensal.org.