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Sanford Luverne’s Hospice Dinner and Auction was a hybrid event this year with part of the auction items being sold online and the banquet in person Aug. 26 at Grand Prairie Events.
Organizer Helen Saum said, “I am thrilled to report a net profit of $75,386, our highest fundraiser net proceeds to date.”
She said people were excited to support the fundraiser, whether in person or not, based on positive comments received on the new Online silent auction, which raised nearly $10,000
Competitive bidding at the live auction included a new package to tour the newly renovated train depot in Luverne with tickets to ride on the Ellis and Eastern Train.
Another auction highlight was George Bonnema's “Carrot Cake for a Cause” going for a high bid of $1,250 and then being 'donated back' and re-bid for $850, generating a total of $2,050. “What an amazing night of generosity and support for the Hospice program,” Saum said.
Honorees
The annual event also honored the Hospice Volunteer of the Year, Sharon Hamm, Friends of Hospice, Phil and Denise Gorter, and the Hospice Staff' Award that went to the entire hospice team working to provide care to patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friends of Hospice, the Gorters, became involved with hospice in 2006 as a way of giving back for the care received by Phil’s brother, Loren, who passed away at The Cottage. They started by hosting and decorating a Minnesota Vikings-themed table for the “Tour of Tables,” which has become a family tradition to help raise funds for a designated need at The Cottage each year.
The Gorters have involved their family each year, including siblings and their children and young grandchildren who all attend and help support the cause. Phil serves on the Hospice Community Advisory Board and has been an ambassador for hospice service. Denise volunteers countless hours hosting multiple tables for the “Tour of Tables” and is on the decorating committee for the Annual Hospice Dinner and Auction.
Volunteer of the Year Sharon Hamm has been a patient care volunteer since 2014. She regularly volunteers at The Cottage and is always willing to help evenings and weekends or whenever the house is busiest.
Sharon accepted a special assignment to visit a hospice patient in a group home who has a very debilitating disease. “Sharon has gone above and beyond and truly exemplifies the hospice philosophy in the care and compassion she shows each day in her volunteer work,” Saum said.
Hospice Staff Award recognizes the efforts of the entire Hospice Team working together this year during the pandemic. “All staff had to quickly adapt to new ways to care for their patients differently when going to patient homes, into various facilities, and to following changing protocols as well as working with patients and families at The Cottage,” Saum said.
Members of Sanford Luverne Hospice team include Dr. Austin Spronk, Medical Director; Brandi Gaul, RN; Kim Fitzgerald, RN; Jill Roemen, Social Worker; Sara Lanoue; Matt Nath, RN; Jessy Liming, RN; Tammy Moeller, Hospice Manager; Helen Saum, Volunteer and Meeting Coordinator; Pastor Kristi Franken, Chaplain; Helen Buys and Karla Kix.\
Cottage staff members include Marie Chapin, Amy Cowell, Jessica Limones, Lois Petersen, Megan Thompson, Rose Aristeo and unscheduled part-time staff Ashley Bostic, Lois DeValk, Staci Feikema, Tammy Love and Robin Carlson.
Artist Shawn DeGroot, Sioux Falls, made the fused glass pieces awarded to recipients.