As co-chairs for the 26th annual Trinity Hospice Ball, we invite you to attend an important and memorable evening on Feb. 3. This event recognizes support and love; compassion and excellence, and most important, people; the ones we have lost and the ones who hold us up.

We will begin our evening with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner served at 7 p.m. A short program with the announcement of the 2018 Debbie Hofbauer Compassionate Care Giver Award will follow dinner with dancing beginning at 8:30 p.m. You will want to save room for the dessert bar provided by some of our best local bakers. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening and end at 10 p.m.

UnityPoint Hospice serves individuals facing a life-limiting illness, and provides expert medical care, pain and symptom management as well as emotional and spiritual support tailored to meet the patient and family’s needs and wishes. UnityPoint Hospice has exceptional patient outcomes, providing quality hospice services. In 2017, UnityPoint Hospice scored an average of 99.7 percent on the seven quality measures as defined by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It scored above the state average, which is 98.04 percent, and the national average, which is 93 percent.

The proceeds from this event are used for patient supplies and equipment, such as communication devices, music, library resources, activities and tools to assist dementia patients and end of life care for individuals without a pay source. The Hospice staff also makes sure that patients celebrate special occasions such as a baptism, wedding or birthday. Funds are also used for family and staff education materials, bereavement programs and Hospice volunteer training. Our community is very generous and we are grateful for the services this event provides.

We will again utilize mobile bidding for our Silent Auction. This is a relatively new process for everyone and we encourage individuals to preregister, as this is the only way to place bids on our Silent Auction items. People who attended the Ball in 2016 and/or 2017, found it to be an easy way to bid plus it added a fun and competitive spirit to the bidding process.

If you don’t have a Smart Phone, “personal shoppers” are available to place bids for you. Additionally, if you do not plan to attend the Ball, you can still bid on auction items utilizing your cell phone, tablet or computer by logging on at home. Several people did this the past two years and found it a fun way to participate. To learn more or pre-register visit www.unitypoint.org/Foundation (Fort Dodge). You may also call Trinity Foundation at 574-6509 for assistance in registering.

We invite you to experience the 26th Annual Trinity Hospice Ball on Feb. 3. 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 with dignity for those who are facing a terminal illness.

Jennifer and Matthew Dutcher and Mary and Kirk Yung are co-chairs for the 2018 Hospice Ball. Kirk Yung is a member of the Trinity Foundation board of directors.

Compassionate Caregiver Award

Each year the Debbie Hofbauer Compassionate Caregiver Award is given to an individual who has delivered outstanding care and touched lives of many during their difficult journey. Each family member is given the opportunity to nominate a caregiver. The nominations are evaluated by the Selection Committee based on the following criteria and values:

Compassion — Demonstrates compassion by putting one’s self in another’s shoes to assist in alleviating or reducing pain, or suffering of another.

Respect — Demonstrates respect by serving patients and families and team members through listening, understanding and communication.

Excellence — Demonstrates excellence by looking for opportunities to go above and beyond expectations.

Attitude — Demonstrates an attitude that is helpful and professional and positively affects those around them.

Trust — Demonstrates trust by emulating honesty, integrity, and reliability, and advocating for those who depend upon them.

Teamwork — Demonstrates teamwork by working with others to achieve successes that cannot be achieved alone.

Growth — Demonstrates growth by adherence to the goal of providing ideal care to our patients and families.

Tickets to the 26th annual Trinity Hospice Ball

Corporate Sponsor = $1,200 (includes presence on mobile bidding website, reserved table for 8, drink tickets, special recognition at event)

Reserved table for Eight = $600

Reserved table for Four = $300

Individual tickets = $40 through Jan. 26; $50 after Jan. 26.

Raffle Tickets: (Seven prizes)

One $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card

One $250 Target Gift Card

Five $50 Casey Gift Cards

One for $10; Three for $25

Send check and contact information, including telephone and address to:

Trinity Foundation, Attn: Hospice Ball

802 Kenyon Road, Fort Dodge, IA 50501