The $40,000 scanner offers state-of-the art scanning technology and greater patient comfort. Bone density scans, which previously took 20 minutes or more, are now completed in approximately 30 seconds.

“All of us at Oconee Regional Medical Center recognize the valuable contributions made every day by the dedicated volunteers of the Pink Bow Gift Shop and the Auxiliary,” said Jean Aycock, President/CEO of Oconee Regional Medical Center. “This million dollar milestone in donations to our hospital exemplifies their commitment to help Oconee Regional bring the best healthcare possible to our area.”

To commemorate the historic milestone, the hospital will unveil a plaque at the location of the new scanner which reads: “This bone density technology has been generously donated by the Oconee Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. With this donation, the Auxiliary has now surpassed one million dollars in contributions to Oconee Regional Medical Center. The volunteers who operate the Pink Bow Gift Shop are gratefully recognized for their continued commitment and tireless efforts to improve the healthcare services ORMC provides to our patients.”

The Pink Bow Gift Shop began operations in 1974 with a mission to provide donations to the hospital for new equipment and facility upgrades. Each year, the Auxiliary’s volunteer board reviews requests from the hospital and funds projects based on profits available from the operation of the Pink Bow Gift Shop.

Items and projects the Pink Bow has funded over the years have ranged from various types of patient monitoring and rehabilitation equipment, to remodeling of hospital facilities to improve patient safety and comfort. Donations provided to the hospital by the Pink Bow generally range between $40,000 and $60,000 each year.

Currently, ORMC’s Pink Bow is staffed by 58 volunteers who operate the gift shop Monday through Saturday. Items available in the Pink Bow include fresh flowers, infants and children’s gifts and clothing, specialty items, home décor, cards, balloons and plants. Sharon Leavitt, Pink Bow Gift Shop Chairman, encourages the community “to stop in and see the wonderful variety and value of the items we sell, knowing all of the proceeds raised support the vital interests of our community through ORMC.”