“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

-Helen Keller

Please join us on Feb. 1, 2020, for an important, memorable and fun evening. 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.

As co-chairs for the event, we are excited to share the line-up for the evening. We will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner served at 7 p.m. A program with the announcement of the 2020 Debbie Hofbauer Compassionate Care Giver Award will follow dinner. Dancing begins about at 8:30 p.m. A dessert bar hosted by our best local bakers will top off the evening. A silent auction will take place throughout the evening and end at 10 p.m.

As co-chairs we take this charge very seriously. We have experienced the difference hospice can make and we know our community is a better place to live because UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge has placed a high value on end of life care. The entire hospice team, including volunteers, is fortunate to have the support of our entire Fort Dodge region. The hospice team has cared for our loved ones and we know it has probably touched each and every one of you in some way too.

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 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 additional services this event provides for hospice patients and families.

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 compassionate and quality hospice services.

We will utilize mobile bidding for our silent auction. This has proved to be a crowd pleaser. We encourage individuals to pre-register, as this is the only way to place bids on our silent auction items and saves time at check in. People who have used this service in the past, found it to be an easy way to bid plus it adds a fun and competitive spirit to the bidding process.

If you don’t have a smartphone, “personal shoppers” are available to place bids for you. Mobile bidding also allows you to begin the bidding process the week before the event and 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. Many people have found this 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 515-574-6509 for assistance in registering.

We invite you to experience the 28th Annual Trinity Hospice Ball on Feb. 1, 2020. Everyone comes to the Ball with 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.

Susie and Ed Birnbaum and John and Christy Nielsen are co-chairs for the 2020 Hospice Ball.