Photo: Hope Healthcare Shine fundraiser guests (L to R) Craig Hansel, Lizbeth Benacquisto, Vanessa, Tyler, and Brandon Tyler.
Shine Event Raises $477,000 for Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care
The second annual Shine fundraiser raised $477,000 to benefit Hope Healthcare. On April 1, more than 400 guests gathered at Edison Ford Winter Estates to support Hope’s mission to provide care for those who are in life’s closing chapter, for all who are grieving, and for seriously ill children and their families. At the sold-out event, guests enjoyed riverside cocktails, dining, entertainment, and a live auction.
President and CEO of Hope Healthcare, Samira K. Beckwith was joined by returning hosts, State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Lizbeth Benacquisto. Shine committee members included Rebekah Barney, Noelle Branning, Rachel Busch, Lillian Canfield, Zannon Garza, Laurie Moore, Amy Thibaut, and Vanessa Tyler.
“The outpouring of support received from our community, sponsors, and committee members is inspiring and vital to our mission,” said Beckwith. “This generosity allows Hope provide the care that people need, not just the care that is funded by insurance. These donations will touch the lives of many who need Hope.”
Shine was presented by title sponsor The Robert J. Gunterberg Foundation and supported by top-level sponsors including Busey Bank, Cypress Cove/Cypress at Home, DeAngelis Diamond, The Galloway Family of Dealerships, LSI Companies, The John E. & Aliese Price Foundation, Priority Marketing, and Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group.
Friends of Hope annual luncheon benefits Hope Hospice
More than 150 Hope supporters recently gathered at the annual Friends of Hope Luncheon at Bonita Bay Country Club. The sold-out event featured a fun afternoon of boutique shopping while raising over $50,000 to benefit Hope Hospice and Rainbow Trails Camp.
The luncheon was hosted by Etta Smith and Donna Roberts with honorary chair Signe Wynne. Sponsors of the event included Najla and Louis Lataif, John R. Wood/Sue and Roderick Price, and Mercedes-Benz of Bonita Springs.
The spring luncheon supports Hope Hospice and the Rainbow Trails Camp, an annual bereavement camp for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Led by Hope’s counselors, art and music therapists, and community volunteers, the camp offers activities to support the grieving process along with recreation, crafts and singing.
“People of all ages experience loss and express grief in different ways,” said Samira K. Beckwith, Hope Healthcare president and CEO. “We created the Rainbow Trails Camp 30 years ago because we wanted to have a special place for children to interact with others who understand their loss and can help provide comfort, friendship and joy.”
With more than 40 years of experience as a local, not-for-profit healthcare organization, Hope Healthcare is dedicated to providing care and comfort for people in life’s closing chapter. A compassionate team of staff and volunteers offers practical, spiritual, and emotional support for the entire family. For more information about Hope Healthcare, including programs such as Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care, visit HopeHCS.org.
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