Erika Esser Shorney  

Erika Esser Shorney , former president and board member of The Auxiliary of West Suburban Medical Center; graduate of DePau University.

Local resident earns award for volunteerism
Oak Leaves (Oak Park, IL) | September 20, 2000 | CHERI BENTRUP

Since 1964, when her mother-in-law gave her a membership into the hospital's auxiliary, Erika Shorney has volunteered her time at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park.

Shorney, a River Forest resident, will be honored for her many years of service to the hospital Monday as she becomes the third recipient of the Margaret R. Houck Award for Volunteerism and Stewardship.

"I started out in the coffeehouse, working with other young mothers," Shorney said. "That was three coffee shops back."

The coffee shop is just one area of the hospital where Shorney has volunteered. …