For Immediate Release
Contact: Kristin Mostowski, Director of Public Relations | Community Hospice | Kristin.Mostowski@hospiceheart.org | 209.578.6301

La Bella Notte It Was! Community Hospice Foundation Celebrates 17th Annual Gala

Modesto, Calif. (May 24, 2018)–On May 19, 2018 over 600 community members gathered at the home of Jessica and Greg Coleman in Ripon, California for the 17th Annual Community Hospice Foundation Gala. Guests enjoyed Live and Silent Auctions, a raffle, appetizers and dinner by Chef Michael Midgley and dancing to The Nines, a band made up of local folks.

Several community members were recognized for their dedicated service and support in advancing the organization’s mission. Mary Ann Wood was awarded the John and June Rogers Philanthropic Award. Mary Ann embodies the heart of hospice by giving and raising funds to assure that the mission of Community Hospice continues, regardless of the patient’s or family’s ability to pay. The Julio R. and Aileen Gallo Leadership Award was awarded to Claudia and Mick Krausnick for their passionate commitment and enthusiastic leadership. The Harold A. Peterson, III Heart of Hospice Award was presented to Friends of Community Hospice member, Pat Saunders for her long-standing commitment to the mission of Community Hospice.

Past camper Zibby Madill shared her story and camp experience prior to kicking off this year’s Cash for the Cause to raise needed funds to support Camp Erin of the Central Valley. A generous anonymous donor agreed to make a $50,000 donation match if the Cash for the Cause raised more than $50,000. Thanks to our generous community, Cash for the Cause raised over $108,000 to support many children in our community who have experienced a loss.

Community Hospice Foundation Executive Director, Monica Ojcius said, “We are thrilled with the outcome of our 17th Annual Gala; it was truly La Bella Notte! It is humbling to know so many people from our community support the mission of Community Hospice. We would not be able to provide the service and programs offered without the generosity of our community, we are very grateful.”

The La Bella Notte Gala was a great success raising more than $350,000 to support the patients, families and programs of Community Hospice.

About Community Hospice Foundation
Community Hospice Foundation is a community-based nonprofit, raising awareness and funds to support the patients and families of Community Hospice.

About Community Hospice
Community Hospice is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors offering compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and families, regardless of ability to pay. Care extends to over 2000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, please call (209) 578-6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.
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