Heartland Hospice saw such a positive response to their evening fundraiser last year that they’ve decided to bring it back again this year — with a change in venue and speakers, but with all of the same heart.
An Evening Under the Stars will take place on Mar. 26 in the Grant Hall banquet room, and will feature a selection of guest speakers to talk about their experience with hospice care, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and a performance from the Community Choir.
There will also be another homemade quilt to be raffled off, and a selection of silent auction items.
“It's going to be a very warm and personal atmosphere where people can gather for an evening to be inspired, uplifted, and moved while raising funds and awareness for Heartland Hospice,” said organizer Angela Sereda.
This year’s focus is on creating awareness about the benefits of hospice care, and how the service is accessible to more than just seniors or older patients.
The fundraiser has invited a family from the community who has struggled with illness and used hospice care as a support tool in their journey to share their story, as well as Heartland Hospice president Lena Hartman to speak about the organization.
The evening will also take a moment to celebrate the life of Elly Mayday, a Saskatchewan-born plus-sized model and awareness advocate for ovarian cancer who passed away last year from the disease.
“During that journey, she was very outspoken and really kind of publicized her whole journey through cancer,” said Sereda. “So, we thought because she was originally from our health care area, we would like to celebrate her life and her ongoing crusade to create awareness even though she’s not here.”
Mayday’s family will be attending to share her story, and organizers are glad to be able to share Mayday’s message and show her as the star she was — which ties into the evening’s theme perfectly.
“Elly represented so many different stars,” said Sereda. “And part of [including her story] was, for us, we wanted to highlight that you don’t need to be a senior citizen to require hospice care. It can happen to anybody at any age.”
The evening fundraiser was a great success last year, which is why the organization decided to bring it back again this year.
All of the funds raised at the event will go towards furnishing the current palliative care room at Pioneer Lodge that Heartland Hospice operates, as well as to plans to expand their services in the city.
“We just really want people to come, for the good fellowship and to learn more about Heartland hospice and really just enjoy the evening,” said Sereda.
Tickets to the event are $35 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.com, or at either the Moose Jaw & District EMS on High Street or at Emerald Custom Creations on Fairford Street.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
