Junior Board of Bayhealth to Dissolve After Nearly 80 Years of Service

After almost eight decades of volunteerism, fundraising and dedicated service to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, the Junior Board of Bayhealth will dissolve at the end of 2025. The hospital celebrated the Junior Board’s long history and many contributions to the community with a special luncheon, held on November 21, 2025.

Founded on Nov. 6, 1947, by local women dedicated to supporting the former Kent General Hospital, the Junior Board has been a cornerstone of service in the Dover community. Over the years, members staffed the information desk, delivered flowers, operated a hospitality cart and ran the hospital’s gift shop and café – which became beloved for its hand-dipped milkshakes.

Through countless hours of volunteer work and fundraising, the Junior Board has raised and donated more than $3 million to Bayhealth. These contributions have supported critical projects and equipment, including labor and delivery units, an intensive care unit, pediatric renovations, incubators, surgical equipment, furniture and ongoing improvements to hospital facilities.

“The Junior Board has always been about more than just financial contributions,” said Junior Board President Lori Ennis. “It was about offering kindness, creating a welcoming environment and making a difference for patients, families and staff. The immeasurable number of people whose lives have been touched by our volunteers is something we are proud of.”

The decision to dissolve the Junior Board was not made lightly. Like many organizations today, the group faced challenges with membership recruitment, participation and the physical limitations of longtime members.

Ennis, who became a volunteer with the Junior Board in early 1984, said serving as its president has been an honor. “It makes me sad to see this chapter come to an end, but the legacy of service will live on,” she said. “We hope the community remembers us as a group that brought joy, support and friendship while helping to improve hospital services.”

While the Junior Board is concluding its chapter, Bayhealth’s Volunteer Services program continues to welcome new members of the community who wish to give their time and talents.

The entire hospital community is grateful to the volunteers for their many decades of selfless service. Their contributions have left a lasting mark on the hospital and on the community as a whole. A recognition event honoring the Junior Board and its history will be held later this year.