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Making a difference

Auction, raffle, dancing, socializing and food are all part of the fundraiser events planned for the 25th Annual Hospice Ball

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Deb Cook, at left, of Moorland, along with her daughter, Jen Cook, of Iowa City, look over some silent auction items with her dad, Gary Cook, at the 2015 Trinity Hospice Ball at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

An evening of dancing, socializing, and food will all be part of the 25th Annual Hospice Ball on Saturday at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites in Fort Dodge.

Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., with a buffet dinner served at 7 p.m.

“You will want to save room for the dessert bar, where some of our best local bakers offer mouthwatering treats,” said Carol Grannon, co-chair for the Hospice Ball.

A short program with the announcement of the 2017 Debbie Hofbauer Compassionate Caregiver Award recipient will take place, and during the program all of the hospice patients who passed away in 2016 will be remembered.

Dancing will follow beginning at 8:30 p.m. Local DJ Dean Vinchattle is returning this year to offer a wide range of music for all ages to dance the night away.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Kathy Lucero, an RN with Unity Point at Home was given the Compasionate Caregiver Award at the 2015 Trinity Hospice Ball at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites. At left, June Arnold, vice-president of operations for Unity Point at Home and Joyce Bianchi, Unity Point Hospice manager, chat with her.

Amy Palmer, co-chair of the Hospice Ball, has been attending the ball for 18 years and has talked about how much it has grown throughout the years.

“It is a super fun time and people just dance their faces off,” Palmer said. “Everyone involved behind the scenes should be very proud of everything they have done and how far they have come.”

This year again, the Hospice Ball will be utilizing a mobile bidding service called Gesture for the silent auction. Everyone is encouraged to register beforehand, as this is the only way to bid for silent auction items. For those who do not have a smart phone, a personal shopper will be provided throughout the evening to place bids.

In addition to the auction, there will also be a raffle. Some of the prizes for the raffle include a $500 HyVee gift card, $250 Target gift card, and five $100 Casey’s gift cards. Raffle tickets cost $10 for one ticket or $25 for three. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or in advance by contacting the Trinity Foundation.

“It is a beautiful show for the community to come to,” Palmer said. “There is never a dry eye in the house, it truly is amazing.”

Hospice care is designed to give supportive care to people in the final phase of their lives. The goal is to help the patients be comfortable and care free in their final moments.

“The Hospice Ball celebrates loved ones we have lost, and raised funds to benefit UnityPoint Hospice patients, families at home, in a care facility, or at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home.” Grannon said.

The proceeds for the ball will be used to provide staff education, family education materials, bereavement programs, and hospice volunteer training. Additionally the funds raised are used to obtain patient supplies and equipment. Other items such as communication devices, music, library resources, and supplies to assist with dementia patients, and end of life care for individuals without a pay source are made possible by the generosity of the community.

“Everyone who comes to the ball has a different connection, but we all share the same passion, to support UnityPoint Hospice. We are grateful for your support and belief in providing compassionate care and dignity for those who are facing a terminal illness,” Grannon said.

Dr. Liz Day, Dr. Mark Berry, and Amy and Luke Palmer are all co-chairs for the 2017 Hospice Ball.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased through Trinity Foundation, 802 Kenyon Road, Fort Dodge, or by calling 515-574-6513 or 515-574-6509. Tickets provide guest with the meal and cash bar during the ball.

There are also reserved tables available – $1,200 corporate sponsorship; $600 table of 8; $300 – table of 4. Call Trinity Foundation for more information.

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