"Just a short note to let you know that the individuals who are looking after our patient's cars are doing a superb job. It is so much easier for the patients to get in and out with their help. Almost every one of our patients comment on how helpful this service is.

Also, just to let you know, at our entry door there are nine wheelchairs. This is how many patients come in and out in a wheelchair and thus is an indication of how valuable and necessary this service is.

The men who actually do the parking of the cars are all very polite to the patients, work hard, and always clear the entryway quickly. They assist the patients in and out, and if you have ever noticed the lot during the last three weeks, it is absolutely jammed. Without these individuals we would never be able to park that number of cars."

A. Knowlton, M.D., Director/Radiation Therapy, CT

"I had to go to the Pre-Admission Center for my upcoming surgery. I was there for approximately 2-1/2 hours and being a "new" diabetic, I neglected to eat. When I came out I became light-headed and the valet took me to a bench. Two nurses' aides were sitting there and one went to get a nurse. However, by this time, the valet had gone to his car and brought me his lunch of cut-up fresh fruit to eat. By the time the nurse came, I was getting better.

I am 64 years old and "been there, done that", but what the valet did for me was one of the kindest things I have ever experienced. I hope he will be recognized for this most unselfish act. At the same time, I would like to compliment the hospital for having a person of this caliber in your employ."

G.M.- Carle Place, NY

"As requested by Administration, I observed the routine activities and practices of the parking attendants. Unknown to them, I have on numerous occasions witnessed their attitudes and mannerisms when dealing with the elderly, employees, psych patients, ER patients, and family in distress.

During my investigation, I have found their actions to be excellent. Their manner has been respectful and professional. They have shown the utmost restraint when dealing with arrogant and obnoxious customers.

In one instance, I observed a member of the parking escort an elderly woman, who he was actually holding up because she was unable to walk to her car that wasn't even in the valet lot. The woman was obviously confused about where she parked her car and he helped her to it, not leaving until she was safely on her way.

Just recently we were notified of an emergency helicopter landing on our helipad by the Coast Guard. We had approx. 3 minutes to clear the helipad and control traffic for the landing. I notified the parking manager, who in turn cleared the helipad literally in seconds and then assisted in traffic control from the time it landed until it departed. During their participation in this emergency situation, their actions were exemplary and professional.

I have personally been approached by numerous employees, patients, and visitors who have stated how much better the parking situation has been since the valets started working here."

S/O O'Connell, Security and Safety Dept., CT

"A word of praise about parking. Our Volunteers and Auxillians just can't say enough about the great parking service we have. Remarks about how courteous the attendants have been and the convenience of valet parking is a real plus. Thanks to the men in the blue jackets."

John McDonald, Director/Safety and Security, CT

"I recently witnessed one of your parking attendants perform a service that was above and beyond his duties... He helped a very pregnant woman through the lobby doors and left her where she could hold on to a table. He ran first to Admitting and then ran back through the lobby to the E.D... Within a minute, he was back with a wheelchair and took her to Labor and Delivery. I later found out the woman's water broke and she couldn't walk.

I felt very proud of his actions and think he should be commended. He is obviously an asset as a "front-line" person."

Nancy Yngstrom, Patient Representative, NY

"Last month I was called to New Jersey because my mom was very sick and we believed she would not live. Needless to say, I was a mess. Through two weeks of fear, misery, and overall sadness one person stands out utmost in my mind. His name is Tom and he works for your company as a valet at the medical center.

When I was low, he always had a kind word for me, when I was crying so hard I could not see, he would park my car. When it was raining cats and dogs he ran for my car, saying something like "you have enough on your mind without getting sick". He made my sadness a little more bearable, and made my trips to the hospital just a little more pleasant.

If there is an award for an outstanding employee, I truly believe it should go to him. Your company should be proud to have an employee such as he."

J.S.-San Francisco, CA

"Recently I had what is usually an embarrasing and frustrating experience that I must share with you. Hurrying as usual, I had accidently locked the keys to my rental car in the trunk. I asked one of your valets for help. He called his supervisor, who was kind enough to arrange for someone to drive me to the rental car company to get another set of keys.

I could not allow this opportunity to pass without offering my congratulations on your choice of parking management companies and the excellence of service they provide to your customers. Please pass on my compliments for a "job well done" from someone who knows how difficult it is to instill an attitude of "going the distance for each and every customer" in service related employees.

You have a company you can be proud of and that you can be sure leaves a positive impression on each of your customers.

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, we operate over 10,000 parking spaces (through a parking management company), and customer service, above and beyond that which is routine, is something we strive to provide to each and every guest at our airport. I recognize that it is this type of customer service that truly leaves an impression on anyone visiting your facility and sets a level of performance which all operators should try to achieve."

P. Walker, Director of Airports/Broward County, FL

"During these months, your employees have shown my family and me great courtesy, concern and understanding. One would not expect this type of gracious treatment from a parking attendant, however they have made an extremely difficult and depressing situation more bearable because of taking the time and effort to show true kindness and humanity."

J.F. - Baldwin, NY

"I am writing to you directly to advise you of how pleased I am with the excellence by which your employees carry out their duties. I almost get the feeling each day as I get ready to enter the pressure cooker of my hospital practice that there are other support staff on hand who, in a team-work fashion, provide that extra little bit of lift that makes you look forward to seeing them each day...

I think we are lucky to have them and that there is something special about their attitude. I wish we could bottle it and distribute it and/or find some way that they could teach others on our staff how to capture it."

T. Zanker, M.D., CT

"My husband was admitted for life-saving surgery... All of a sudden I found myself having to deal with a lot of little things I hadn't had to contend with before. The last thing in the world I wanted to deal with was parking, so I utilized your valet service...

I just wanted you to know that the valet service was impeccable and much more than accommodating. Every night, I pulled up and was treated wonderfully. Every one of the people working there were kind, courteous, professional, and always had a smile and a nice word. They went above and beyond what their duties are... Every night when I left, one of them always made sure I was safe.

I must say that it is a wonderful feeling to be greeted as nicely as they greeted me every day. It also relieves the mind to know that you don't have to contend with searching for a parking spot and having to walk through the garage alone at night. Once again, thank you so much for your wonderful service.

My husband will be back there at least a few more times and I have every intention of utilizing your service each and every time."

L.P.- Lynbrook, NY

"I would like to commend the men you have parking the cars in our lot. They are marvelous human beings and do a wonderful job. The patients who come here for radiation therapy do nothing but praise them. Actually, from a public relations point of view, they are a great asset to the hospital.

I have not heard one complaint, but heard hundreds and hundreds of compliments. Not only do they do their job well, they are very nice to our patients who come in each day. Many of our patients unfortunately have a serious disease, and are quite weakened by it and those men have been of tremendous help."

A. Knowlton, M.D., Director/Radiation Therapy, CT

"I would like to take this time to thank Medi-Park for the outstanding job achieved at C.I.H. Medi-Park took 52 parking spots with 275 employees and made it all work. The staff of Medi-Park have gone above and beyond to work with the staff here. Thank you, Medi-Park."

Jack Breimann Jr., Director/Plant Operations, NY

"I would like to say how much my husband and I appreciate the valet service. As he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he cannot walk very far. The service is a godsend and is very valuable to us. Thank you for the excellent, caring service."

S.B. - Berwick, PA

"The men working in the lot have been very kind and courteous. I have an asthma problem and they go out of their way to park my car for me or arrange for me to park my car as close to the entrance as possible.

Recently I left my wallet in the car. One of the men found my wallet and ran after me to return my property. I said before the men in the lot are kind and courteous, I must also add honest."

Janet Massa, Manager/Histology Dept., NY

"I am writing this letter in response to a situation I find very rare in this day and age. My eighty three year old mother had to undergo open heart surgery. My father, also eighty three and frail, was in a panic-not about the operation, but about the parking situation which he considered might be unbearable. He actually worried about this for weeks prior to the day of admittance.

On the day we arrived, I spoke with the parking attendants and explained my father's fears about parking. From that day on, my mother developed complications and required an extended stay. Every day, twice a day, when my father arrived the young men working in the lot made sure there was a spot for him close by, knowing his difficulty walking. I cannot begin to tell you the burden they relieved from my dad. They would walk with him when they had time, always inquiring about my mother's condition.

I intended to write this letter sooner, but life being what it is, I didn't get around to it until today. Last week, my father had to go to the hospital himself for a test. Amazingly, all the men remembered him and all inquired about my mother.

How unusual I thought, in these days of people's intolerance to each other, to find caring, hard working people.

I am writing this letter to commend your hospital for having loyal and truly considerate people who make a hospital visit stress-free from the very beginning."

J.B., Long Beach, NY

"I wanted to thank you for helping me park my car when the hospital lot was full. Being handicapped makes it difficult to walk and your sympathetic handling of the problem was a great relief. It is people like yourself that make life a more pleasant event. Thank you for your kind consideration."

P.T. - Rye, NY

"Just wanted to let you know how very much I appreciate your service and your employees. When I have an appointment at the hospital, I am no longer filled with anxiety over parking and such.

I have three small children and to know that I can go right to the front door and have a courteous attendant open the doors (and have the valet watch that my children don't run out in front of any cars while I get the stroller for the baby) is worth everything to me.

A very special thank you for your service and your staff. This is the best part of the hospital visit!"

K.O. - Danville, PA

"I would like to call special attention to an area that I suspect receives little recognition. That is the fine young men that keep the traffic and parking problems non-existent at the hospital. They are truly ambassadors for your institution. They convey the idea that they truly care and their smiles and friendliness never disappear, no matter how hectic things become in the parking lot. They are to be commended for their work. Bravo!"

C.L. - Preston, CT

"Being a patient at the hospital for the last fifteen years, I find the valet parking a very important part of my visits to the hospital. I am sure other patients feel the same, and I would like to express my thanks to all those working at the valet service. I found them to be very courteous and co-operative. Who ever came up with the idea deserves a big thanks."

J.M. - Allentown, PA

"I congratulate whomever is responsible for the valet service. They deserve an award for their ingenuity. The valets are always very courteous and accommodating. I am disabled and this service enables me to park my car and proceed to my appointment without having to rush to the parking lot, find a space and wait for the shuttle. This is one of the best services ever put into effect at the medical center."

G.T.-Mifflinburg, PA

"Your staff's aid in controlling the guest parking area was instrumental in making the Health Fair an extremely well-rounded community effort. They were very competent, courteous, and contributed to the wonderful spirit of the event. Once again, thank you."

John Broder, Vice President/External Affairs, NY

"I wanted it to be noted that in a service industry such as yours, you do not find much "Quality Service". But in this case, your employees went out of their way to help me and made my visit to the hospital much more pleasant than it should have been."

C. M. - Philadelphia, PA

"When I parked in the visitor's lot at the hospital, I was greatly surprised to be pleasantly afforded a king's treatment by your courteous staff. It started my day off on the right foot and greatly relieved my tension. You are to be thanked for hiring such beautiful people."

P. F. - Westbury, NY

"I would like to comment on what a great job your valet service is doing. I use the service on a weekly basis, sometimes twice a week. The staff is always prompt and courteous, and they really seem to care about their customers.... Please let these employees know they are doing a great job and their people skills are appreciated.

They deserve a pat on the back for withstanding the cold of winter with a smile on their faces. It's a great service and truly an asset to the hospital."

J.H. - Hollidaysburg, PA

"This is a letter of gratitude and appreciation. Your employee noticed my left front tire was low and took the time to direct me to a gas station to avoid a flat tire. His kindness, consideration and courtesy touched me deeply.

I am a recent widow and as yet not adjusted to handle all the details of car maintenance. This thoughtfulness is all the more appreciated. The other employees are most courteous and considerate too. Thanks for your excellent staff."

F. S. - Monmouth, NJ

"The valet service is a great addition to the services offered by the hospital. I used it yesterday and will use it again today. Your staff was so polite and professional! Please advertise your service - it could benefit so many people.

I just learned about it the other day from a young mother with two children - it saved her day."

J.L. - Sunbury, PA