Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:00

Hospice Cup

Hospice of the Chesapeake’s own CEO and president, Erwin Abrams, shown with Cullen Murray of Hospice Cup Inc., recently served the honorary chairman for Hospice Cup XXVIII, America's largest charity regatta. The event was held on Saturday, September 26th, for a crowd of partygoers and sailors. In addition to the main regatta, there were numerous other events held in support of the race such as the Blessing of the Fleet beforehand and the Shore Party and Awards Ceremony held afterwards on the grounds of Atria Manresa in Annapolis.

"This is a critical time in the history of nonprofit hospices in the United States,” said Abrams. “Given the current economy, our local hospices needed and still do need this financial support more than ever. It has been my privilege to serve as the honorary chairman, helping to raise awareness and funds for our vital mission.”

During 28 years of racing on the Chesapeake Bay, Hospice Cup has raised more than $8 million to support area hospice programs. This year’s participating nonprofit hospices included Hospice of the Chesapeake, Calvert Hospice, Capital Hospice, Montgomery Hospice and Talbot Hospice Foundation.

Funds raised on behalf of Hospice Cup help pay the expenses not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These dollars enable the hospices to provide skilled compassionate care, comfort and dignity to the terminally ill, and their families and friends. Net proceeds are disbursed to the participating hospices on a pro-rated basis.

To view a video featuring Erwin Abrams discussing general hospice care and the Hospice Cup event, please click here.  For more information about the Hospice Cup event, visit www.hospicecup.org.

Click here for RACE RESULTS and Sunday Capital news story links.

7th Annual Golf Tourney

Hospice of the Chesapeake recently held the organization’s 7th annual golf tournament at the Chartwell Golf and Country Club in Severna Park. The event, which had more than 100 golfers participating, raised more than $30,000 in gifts and in-kind donations.

The event was chaired by Jacquie Roth, publisher of M.D. News, shown left with committee member Vicki Hertzman.

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Ferrari enthusiasts race to car show 

More than 50 Ferrari owners from around the southeast and the mid-Atlantic region revved up their engines this past June and showed off their exotic machines for charity, raising nearly $14,000 for Hospice of the Chesapeake. The inaugural summer car show event was held at the waterfront estate of Dennis and Peggy Gilligan, longtime hospice supporters. Participants paid a small admission fee to attend the show, which included a catered lunch by Adam’s Ribs. 

Pinned!

Longest running Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteers Martha and Hilary O’Herlihy recently received their 30th year recognition pins, courtesy of Erwin Abrams, shown in the middle. As you may recall, the O’Herlihys are founding members of the organization and are still actively involved on the Board of Directors and in many events. The couple were the 2009 Beacon of Hope Gala Honorees.
 

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Spotlight on programming

Creating a collage to express the loss of a loved one, sharing your grief in a group setting, or children expressing their grief  through games and puzzles are just a few of the bereavement programs offered by The Life Center (TLC) at Hospice of the Chesapeake.

TLC offers a variety of support services to adults and children in places of transition resulting from the death of a loved one, an unexpected diagnosis, or an unanticipated event. Operating from a holistic model, TLC believes that change impacts individuals physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and socially. TLC services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients and their loved ones.

TLC programs include:

• SoulCollage - A creative expression support group utilizing an innovative collage technique known as SoulCollage. Collages are constructed to commemorate lost loved ones and to visually journal the grief process. They are shared and discussed in a supportive group setting, and exercises aimed at self-growth and healing are conducted within the group.

• Stepping Stones - Group sessions intended for children, ages 8-13, who have received counseling from The Life Center, or have attended Camp Nabi or Phoenix Rising in the past. In a relaxed atmosphere, the group can visit and share their grief journey using puzzles, games, art projects and stories.

• Adult Bereavement Support Groups - For those 18 years and older who are grieving the death of a loved one.

• Beads for BRITS - A bracelet-making fund-raising group that supports Hospice of the Chesapeake’s sister hospice in Sub-Saharan Africa, Brits-Hartbeespoort Hospice.

For a full listing of programs, please visit our calendar listings.

Did you know …

Would you like to make an online donation, find out how to volunteer or learn about the latest hospice events…it’s all just a click away. Hospice of the Chesapeake has a new and improved Web site with an array of interactive features.  One of the highlights of the Web site is the external links/resources section under the About Us tab. Web browsers can obtain important information about a variety of issues such as hospice care, living wills and local hospitals. With the click of the mouse browsers can visit one of our partner sites, like CaringBridge which is a free, personalized Web site that allows loved ones to share information during a critical illness.

We welcome your feedback and would love to know what you like about the Web site and how we can make improvements. Send your comments to Lori Phelan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Fashion for a Cause

Join the next generation of philanthropists, the Hospice Hundred, at Fashion for a Cause, a stylish affair to benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake. The event will be held 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Paradigm, 179 Main Street in Annapolis.

The featured fashion show will highlight the newest designs from the stylish downtown Annapolis boutique specializing in sophisticated yet urban fashions. Food, music and cocktails round out the elegant occasion. All proceeds from the event will be used to support Hospice of the Chesapeake’s children’s bereavement programs in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, including Camp Nabi and Phoenix Rising.

Tickets are $75 for members of Hospice Hundred and $100 for non-members. For more information about Hospice Hundred or this event, please contact Christine Wilson, Corporate and Community Relations, 443.837.1530 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To register online, please complete our Fashion for a Cause ticket registration.

Participating organizations include:
• Tommy's Food Service
• Zachary’s Jewelers
• Ruby Salon
• Philanthrochic
• Paradigm
• NightlifePR
• Dollface Cupcakes

Chocolate & Champagne Affair

The Hospice of the Chesapeake Auxiliary will be hosting a Chocolate & Champagne Affair from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2010, at the Annapolis Waterfront Marriott Hotel.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of samplings of delectable chocolate items, including cakes, cookies, ice cream and candies from 20 area restaurants and vendors. Champagne will be available as well. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with proceeds benefiting Hospice of the Chesapeake.

To participate as a vendor and/or sponsor, please click the appropriate form.

• Vendor form
• Sponsor form

To purchase a ticket online, please click on the ticket above or contact Hospice of the Chesapeake Auxiliary co-chairpersons Rose Brice or Vesta Phiel at 410.757.5260.

A marathon fundraiser

Erwin Abrams, president and CEO, accepts a $350 donation from Ronald Bowman, organizer of this year’s 2nd Annual Ben Moore Memorial Half Marathon and 10k. The check represents proceeds from the August 1st event in which 185 runners participated.  Proceeds were also donated to the Wounded Warriors Project and Rude Ranch Animal Sanctuary.

As part of the event, Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks Director Frank Marzucco gave some inspiring recollections of his association with Marine Lt. Colonel Ben Moore. Ben was one of the founders of the Annapolis Striders Running Club and trained more than 1,200 runners for the Marine Corps Marathon from 1980 to 2005.

Wrapped in warmth from donation

The John & Arloine Mandrin Chesapeake Hospice House in Harwood recently received a donation of 11 hospital bed-sized handmade quilts courtesy of the quilting bee Grateful Threads, an offshoot of the Southern Comforters Quilt Guild of Bowie.  For additional information about the guild, please visit www.southerncomforters.org.

Grateful Threads quilters shown from left with Michael McHale, Chief Operations Officer, Charlotte Kieliszek of Crofton, Leslie Sumner of Kettering, Pat Sully of Greenbelt, Carolyn Moorehead of Bowie and Debi Bacon of Crofton.

Wrapped in silk

This 100% silk scarf with rolled edges was designed specifically for the Hospice of the Chesapeake Auxiliary by Rebecca Snure of Nectar Silks. Each silk-screened piece measures 8" wide by 50" in length, and costs $35; or $30 each for two or more. All of the proceeds benefit the Auxiliary and Hospice of the Chesapeake.

To purchase a scarf online, please click on the photo or contact Hospice of the Chesapeake Auxiliary co-chairperson Vesta Phiel at 410.544.2128.