Skip to main content

Sanford Hospice hosts charity dinner, auction

Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

The 18th Annual Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction drew 375 people to the Sanford Luverne Hospice fundraiser Saturday, April 23.
The Blue Mound Banquet Center in Luverne accommodated a packed house for the event, which featured a Boston theme.
According to Sanford Luverne Hospice volunteer coordinator Helen Saum, it was too early to know how much money the event brought in, but she said last year’s event raised $75,000 in net proceeds.
She said 100 percent of the proceeds stay local to support the hospice program, which serves patients and families in a 30-mile radius of Luverne.
“Knowing that 100 percent of the proceeds stay local and directly support hospice care for loved ones and their families in our area is something I am extremely grateful for,” Saum said.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Hospice Awards recognizing three individuals for their contributions to the hospice program. The 2016 Award recipients were Hospice Team member Brigitte Wieneke, Friend of Hospice Nate Golla and Hospice Volunteer Glenda Schomacker.
Wieneke recently retired after working at The Cottage since it opened in 1998 (18 years ago). “Brigitte is known for her true compassion and the quality of her care given to hundreds of patients over the years as well as the support to their families,” Paige Hoffman, last year’s honored team member said.
“Brigitte is known for her ability to make people feel at ease, her dignified care to each individual, and she always made time to sit at the bedside and hold a hand of her patients when they needed it. Brigitte is also known for her humor and ‘singing’ around the house.  She has been a valued employee and will be missed, but not forgotten, by all those she has come in contact with.”
Golla was chosen as Friend of Hospice by the Hospice Advisory Board for his important role as master of ceremonies of the annual dinner and auction for the past six years.
“As M.C., Nate keeps the event moving throughout the night and he has a wonderful ability to interact with an audience of nearly 400 people,” Saum said. “He entices the bidding with his sense of humor and belief in the cause. Nate was honored for his personal and professional support of the hospice program over the years.”
Schomacker served as a Patient Care Volunteer since 2003.  She completed additional 11th Hour Volunteer training and often volunteered from midnight to early morning shifts to stay at the bedside of an actively dying patient.  “She is truly caring and compassionate and a valued long-time hospice volunteer and deserving of this recognition,” Saum said.
Award recipients received a unique artwork this year created by Cody Henrichs.
Henrichs lives in Luverne with his wife, Nicole (Aaker), and he teaches art at Adrian High School. The awards were of two hands cast and set in a wooden frame. “Hands mark the human connection in hospice care, and hands are often the first and last point of connection in life and in death,” Henrichs said.
Questions about hospice care or services available may be directed to the Sanford Luverne Hospice office at 283-1805.

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.