Fund-Raising Breakfast Raises $15,000 For Hospice

By Jan Howard

The eleventh annual summer fund-raising breakfast of the Newtown Chapter of Regional Hospice raised more than $15,000 for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut.

The donations enable Hospice in its mission to provide in-home care and support for persons in the final phases of incurable illnesses.

About 300 residents came out early on June 15 to enjoy breakfast with friends and colleagues at the Fireside Inn and to leave “tips” to benefit Hospice.

The breakfast is the Newtown chapter’s main fund-raiser of the year. Last year’s breakfast also raised $15,000.

Co-Chairman Janet Hovious said $2,000 was raised in 45 minutes in raffle ticket purchases alone. Several attendees left bearing their raffle winnings, from haircuts and massages to dinner at local restaurants and a crystal lamp.

The keynote speaker was Karen Pierce, a Newtown family support volunteer from 1990 to 1999, who spoke briefly of the role of family support volunteers and their emotional involvement with a patient and their family.

 “You’re never empty,” she told the gathering. “You can always give more, whether its time, money, or knowledge.”

Emily Giannattasio, executive director of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, also spoke briefly, terming Hospice “truly a gift.” She lauded the efforts of the volunteers on behalf of Hospice and Hospice patients. She said Hospice follows a family for 13 months after a death.

Individuals and businesses hosting the 41 tables, which included the speakers’ table, were: Paul Alexander, Amaral Motors, Mary Antey and Marion Thompson, Peggy Baiad, Don Bates, Marcia Cavanaugh, Bill Denlinger, Robert and Joan Dyer, Karen Finlayson, Fleet Bank, Judith Fuller, Robert H. Hall, Joy’s Hallmark, Helen Herbold, Diane Hyman, Knights of Columbus Virgilius Council No 185, Bob Levy, Bob and JoAnn Maurer, Kathy Mueller, Rosalie Newman, Newtown Democratic Town Committee, Newtown Jr Woman’s Club, Newtown Savings Bank, Jeffrey Nickse, Randall Oberg, Erin Quinlan, Jack Quinlan, the Russo family, St Rose Social Concerns Committee, Savings Bank of Danbury, Don Studley, Marie Sturdevant and Cynthia Simon, Bob Tendler, William Timmel, William Valenti, Judy Volpe, Julia Wasserman, Wendy White, Women in Newtown, and Janet Woycik.

Sponsors traditionally pay $70 for a table of eight.

The 23 raffle items were donated by Don Bates of The Drug Center, Community Health Associates, a friend of Hospice, Grey Horse Gallery, Ridgefield artist Jack Grasso, Karen’s Fitness Studio, Lexington Gardens, McGeorgi’s Antiques & Consignments, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Newtown Farm & Garden Center, Olde Newtown Tavern, Ricci’s Salon, Senor Pancho’s, The Inn at Newtown, The Wireless Connection, Woodbury artist Janice Wilkinson, and World of Wines.

The Newtown chapter’s  fund-raisers are Janet Hovious and Marg Studley, co-chairmen; Helen Herbold, treasurer; Erin Quinlan, secretary; Marilyn Alexander, Sara Carnrick, Pat Hayes, Colleen Honan, Shirley Johnson, Ken Stroud, Pat Stroud, Marie Sturdevant, and Barbara Webb.

The breakfast tradition was founded 11 years ago by Marilyn Alexander and B.J. Geerer.

Hospice services are available to terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less who wish to spend their last days in dignity and comfort in their own home.

Hospice services include those of a physician, registered nurse, medical social worker, physical/speech/occupational therapies, home health aides, registered dietician, pastoral and bereavement counseling, family support volunteers, 24-hour RN on call, educational and support groups, 100 percent covered durable medical equipment, 95 percent of cost of medications related to terminal illness, short term in-patient care, short term in-patient respite care, and continuous in-home care for special needs.

Since its inception in 1983, Regional Hospice has served over 1,000 patients and their families.

For more information about Hospice, call 797-1685.