More than $58,000 was raised at the 14th Annual Gala and Benefit Auction of Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare on March 30, surpassing the goal for the not-for-profit hospice organization. The gala was held at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster to support Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare’s mission of providing superior care and superior services to each patient and family.

Sponsored by United Titanium, and co-chaired by Michael and Stephanie Reardon, 310 people attended the gala. Funds raised from the event will go toward the purchase of a mobile care unit, and all areas of patient care. The unit will provide timely transport of patients and allow families to ride alongside.

“Having our own mobile care unit to transport our patients helps us extend our care and compassion to those patients located throughout our care region. This has been a long-time dream for many of us at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare,” said Christy Michaels, director of clinical operations. “The purchase and operation of a mobile care unit will help us extend our mission and improve access to care for our patients.”

Programs and services at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare such as Veteran-to-Veteran, a program that pairs recruited Veteran Volunteers with patients identified as Veterans, and Camp Waves of Emotion, a grief camp offered to children of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one are supported through the Gala. 

“Thank you to our sponsors, friends and staff members, as funds raised from this event will benefit anyone in our community who is facing end-of-life illness,” said Kurt Holmes, executive director of Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare. “Because of this generous support, we are able to offer a mobile care unit in addition to providing compassionate care and support through our programs
and services.”

As part of the gala’s theme, Celebrating Life’s Stories, many attendees dressed as characters from classic fairytales, children’s books and novels. They enjoyed a magical evening and celebrating Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare’s impact and the continuing mission of care.