Hospice of Western Kentucky is hosting their signature fundraising Spring Fling, which will also bring back a much-loved Derby theme.
The event is from 6-11 p.m. April 27 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Brenda Knollenberg, development manager at Hospice, said everyone had such a great time with the theme last year, so they wanted to continue it.
“This event has been in Owensboro for more than 10 years, and the entire team at Hospice are so grateful to the community for their support,” she said. “A big reason why we hold Spring Fling each year is it allows us to provide care for patients that wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay.”
Knollenberg said last year, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky gave away almost $400,000 in uncompensated care –- and raising funds through the Spring Fling fundraiser helps to provide that care.
“We are encouraging people to buy tickets and come to the event because their support helps their friends, neighbors and family members right here at home in the counties we serve,” Knollenberg said. “It’s more than just coming to have a good time, although they will have a good time, it’s about helping the people they know and love in our communities.”
There will also be a silent and live auction, music by Pink Cadillac and the second annual Derby Fashion Show. The funds raised from the event also allow the group to provide bereavement care for patients’ families.
“They can receive bereavement care for up to 13 months after their loved one has passed, and, again, there is no payer source for this program,” she said. “It is completely funded by the generosity of the communities we serve.”
Raising funds also ensures the staff has the ability to provide their Wish Program for the patients.
“Many patients in our care reflect on their lives and realize there are things they’d still like to do,” Knollenberg said. “We’ve been able to provide transportation for a patient’s family members who couldn’t otherwise afford to come visit their loved one; we’ve had a wish to fish and were able to take one of our patients fishing for a day. We’ve also held weddings at the Heartford House.”
She said some wishes cost a lot, while others are very simple to provide. Each wish is specific to the patient and their needs. Financial support from the community helps to make these wishes happen.
Tickets are still available through their – www.hospiceofwky.org or by calling 270-926-7565.
