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Hospice of Santa Barbara Honors Community Heroes at 7th Annual Luncheon
September 11, 2019 @ 11:00 am PDT
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will honor the special volunteers and supporters who make its mission possible during the Seventh Annual Heroes of Hospice luncheon Sept. 11 at the Biltmore’s Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.
Each of this year’s Heroes of Hospice play a vital role in providing care for anyone experiencing the impact of serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one – all at no-cost. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now for the “Jewels by the Sea”-themed event, which will overlook the ocean. Guests can take part in a silent auction with jewelry and other local “gems” of the community at the luncheon.
“We’re fortunate to come into contact with many strong, determined supporters who, each year, put so much of themselves toward people and families that are in pain,” said David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO. “They give up time, resources and so much more, all to brighten someone’s day or bring peace to difficult times. I’m proud to honor them as heroes.”
Legacy Award: James S. Bower Foundation
The James S. Bower Foundation creates a better future by making grants to partners who share the belief that a healthier world can be fostered through compassionate action and social change. Its goals include creating change in educational, developmental and health processes for infants, children, youth and seniors. The Foundation’s strategic, purpose-driven and outcome-oriented grant making also makes change in environmental conditions, social awareness and human consciousness.
The Foundation is committed to reducing physical, emotional, spiritual and social pain in the face of death. Its grants help increase the number of people who are able to experience an enhanced state of wellbeing at the end of life, characterized as a state of peace, enlightenment or acceptance of one’s death. The Foundation recognizes that the unique challenges in the end-of-life process are often overwhelming for the dying, their families, friends and the larger community.
Partnership Award: Suzanne Grimmesey
As Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer for the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, Suzanne Grimmesey has led the multi-agency Community Wellness Team that formed following the Thomas Fire and ensuing debris flow. The team – made up of 13 agencies, including HSB – collaborates to help the community heal and build resiliency. The partnership allowed HSB to connect with community members at town hall meetings, schools, businesses and in the field. The team was instrumental in bringing services to families having lost homes or loved ones.
Suzanne’s inspiration for this work is the firm belief in the resiliency gained through helping individuals and communities cope with disaster and traumatic events.
Volunteer Award: No One Dies Alone Program
HSB and Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care collaborate for the unique No One Dies Alone (NODA) program, which brings together trained volunteers and patients to make sure nobody is alone in their final hours. While some who are dying in our community have no family or friends nearby, NODA volunteers are there to offer a compassionate presence and their heartfelt intentions.
It takes a very special kind of person to fill the NODA volunteer role. Sharing someone’s end of life experience can be incredibly moving and powerful. Volunteers may simply choose to sit in silence with the patient, letting them know they are there from time to time with voice and touch. They may do simple things like placing a cool cloth on the patient’s forehead, using swabs if the patient’s lips seem dry or chapped, and holding a hand or arm as a loving presence.
New for 2019, HSB will host an online silent auction that opens on Wednesday, August 28, at 7 a.m. and closes on Monday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. Additional details, tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.hospiceofsb.org/heroes. For more information, contact Cheryll Puyot at (805) 563-8820 or cpuyot@hospiceofsb.org.
Heroes of Hospice Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Location: Biltmore’s Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, 1281 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Hospice of Santa Barbara
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services free of charge to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness. Hospice of Santa Barbara also provides counseling in our offices and on twelve local junior and high school campuses to children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.