Special donations highlight annual Evening for Hospice

Cal Siegfried, cowboy commentator, and Joe Frazier, world champion auctioneer, will team up Sunday, Nov. 23 at the sixth annual An Evening for Hospice at the Coppermill, bringing a generous dose of humor as more than 24 donated "packages" are auctioned off to benefit the organization.

The term "packages" may be a bit misleading as this year's offerings include a "Cliff Houghton Memorial Hunt" at the Ringneck Ranch in Tipton, Kan.; three nights in the Yellowstone National Park area; three nights at a condo in Winter Park, Colo.; or an annual favorite -- a gourmet dining experience for six, hosted by Mike and Laura Ford and Matt and Shelly Sehnert.

"This year's packages are a true delight," said Sharleen Crowe, Community Hospital Health Foundation director. "Each contributor displays a remarkable level of time, labor, love and commitment."

Crowe's office space is quickly filling up with sponsor packages. Each package will be carefully arranged Sunday in time for the 6 p.m. social hour. Those attending will have ample time to view the packages before the program and bidding begins at 7 p.m.

"In the five years of 'An Evening for Hospice' more than $112,000 has been raised," said Crowe. "This money has allowed us to do so much more for those suffering from terminal illness and the people who care for them."

Among the benefits from the proceeds of An Evening for Hospice is the uniquely designed bed in the recently remodeled hospice suite at the hospital. The bed is designed to give the maximum comfort while allowing for palliative care to be provided.

"The Community Hospital Health Foundation board has made a strong commitment to the community for hospice care to be available to everyone," Crowe added. "With these funds, we were able to provide hospice care to an indigent patient."

Thanks to the funding, the foundation also has been able to offer expanded training to volunteers.

"We have 19 very active, very committed, volunteers right now," said Crowe. Volunteers can be called upon to help in a variety of ways, she explained, including washing a sinkful of dishes, raking leaves or mowing the lawn.

"We have one volunteer who has 'adopted' a client who has no immediate family. They visit several times a week and the volunteer is able to just be there for the patient, to listen, to offer what care and comfort she can," Crowe continued.

Future plans for the hospice program include establishing a bereavement class. "That is something that will benefit the entire community," said Crowe. It will be open to anyone experiencing a death in the family, not just hospice-related clients.

The first hand benefits of hospice care will be a part of the program as well.

Patsy Houghton will be the featured speaker Sunday evening as she relates the death of her father and the hospice care he received. The Houghton family is a primary sponsor, offering the Ringneck Ranch hunting experience at auction.

"An Evening for Hospice" has made so much of this possible," said Crowe. "And our major sponsors, package contributors, and gifters are such a big part of this. I just can't say how much we appreciate each one, how much good comes from this."

Sponsoring agencies at press time included:

Cliff Houghton Memorial Hunt -- The Houghton Family

Backyard Retreat -- McCook Clinic, P.C., Dr. Jane Eskildsen, Dr. Kenneth Ellis, Dr. Dan Farrell Common Scents and Parker

Storybook Corner -- Ron and Norma Barnett, Linda Maiden, State Farm agent and Preston and Carolyn Klimper

Teton Experience -- Dr. John and Cindy West

Luv' those Huskers -- Wells Fargo

Sitting Pretty -- Olson's Photography and Vap's Seed and Hardware

A Christmas Carol -- McCook Radio Group

Pantry Partners -- various clubs and organizations

Blue Velvet -- Gary and Donna Bieganski

The Four Seasons -- Beta Sigma Phi

Old World Grandeur -- D&D Floral

Understated Elegance -- Merry Mrs. Homemakers Club

I'd Rather Be Golfing -- Cross Creek in Cambridge, Wilderness Ridge Golf in Lincoln and The Pines in Valley

Escape to the Mountains -- anonymous sponsor and Kings Medical

Selected from the Heartland -- Warren and Sharon Frazier and Heartland Cattle Company

Gourmet Dining Experience -- Mike and Laura Ford, Matt and Shelly Sehnert

Home Office with a Flair -- Eakes Office Plus

Queen for a Day -- Julia's Massage, Body Connection, Ranelle's Classic Design, the Coppermill, Wagner Ford Mercury

Smart Technology -- Video Kingdom

"There will be some additional packages available for auction Sunday night," said Crowe, adding that although seating is limited, there are a few tickets left. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the Community Foundation Office at 801 W C Street. The phone number is (308) 345-7222.