The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation says its annual benefit gala raised $221,962 to support end-of-life care for individuals and families across Chatham-Kent.
The evening included gourmet dining, auction experiences and a personal account from a local family about their journey with the hospice. The foundation says the gala also celebrated 10 years of compassionate end-of-life care.
A Fund-a-Need campaign for Willi’s Legacy, an initiative to buy three cuddle beds for the hospice, was a highlight. The beds allow residents to share moments of closeness with loved ones at the end of life. The foundation says the generosity of guests pushed the initiative over its goal.
The gala also featured an announcement of an additional $100,000 donation from Kent & Essex Mutual, which will complete the Hospice Kitchen Renovation capital campaign.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Title Sponsor Victory Lincoln, all our sponsors, donors, and guests who made this evening such a success,” said Brock McGregor, executive director of the foundation. “The support shown through the Gala, including BMO’s generous $30,000 contribution, the Fund-a-Need initiative for Willi’s Legacy, and Kent & Essex Mutual’s gift, demonstrates the extraordinary commitment our community has to hospice care. These contributions help us enhance the comfort and dignity of our residents while ensuring families continue to receive compassionate care and support at no cost to them.”
Elita Constancio won the Golden Ticket raffle, which gave 100 guests a chance to win an experience from the silent auction. Robin Hockney won the Mittons Jewellers Diamond Draw, the prize for which was an 18K gold diamond pendant set with .36-carat natural Canadian diamonds.
The foundation says all proceeds will support the hospice’s operations, including residential hospice care, grief support and care navigation services at no cost to families.
