Dr. Larry Lyon, hospice medical director, was named the 2002 Distinguished Hospice Team Member during the Eighth Annual Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction Friday in the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center. Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Helen Saum presents him with an original watercolor painted by Luverne artist Cloyce Smith.
By Lori Ehde
The Eighth Annual Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction drew 400 people to the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center Friday night.
"It was our biggest ever," said Helen Saum, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. "Wow, what a great night for hospice!"
Hospice staff is still tallying receipts, but it appears the local hospice program took home nearly $30,000 after expenses.
"One hundred percent of this money will stay locally to support our hospice program and patients," Saum said.
A highlight of the annual event is naming recipients of the three distinguished hospice awards.
Dr. Larry Lyon, hospice medical director, was named 2002 Distinguished Hospice Team Member.
"We would like to thank you for your compassion and the sincere, gentle approach you take in overseeing the medical care of our hospice patients," Linda Reisdorfer said.
"Thank you for ensuring the dignity and comfort of our patients is foremost in their plan of care."
Annabelle Frakes was named the 2002 Distinguished Hospice Volunteer. Frakes, a retired nurse, has volunteered 365 hours with hospice since its beginning.
George and Corrine Bonnema were honored with the 2002 Friend of Hospice Award for helping develop the Memorial Path and Garden at The Cottage.
Each honoree received original water color paintings by Cloyce Smith, Luverne.
Money raised at the Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction is deposited in the Luverne Health Care Foundation. It is restricted for hospice and is used locally for hospice patients and service in a 30-mile radius of Luverne.
The fund-raiser is necessary because as the number of hospice users and the cost of their care rises, the proportion of Medicare reimbursements has fallen.
Friday's money was raised from the sale of dinner tickets, donated silent auction items, live auction items, advertising and dedications in the booklet, raffles and cash donations.
Included in the total is $2,293 in raffle tickets for the annual Blue Mound Quilters' contribution to the event. This year it was a king-sized quilt won by Mike Pap.