Donning denim, cowboy boots and plenty of sparkle, the Calvert County community came together to raise more than $115,000 for Hospice of the Chesapeake at “Boots & Bling, A Culinary Experience”. All proceeds will be used to grow and strengthen programs in Calvert County and provide direct support to local patients and families living with illness and loss.
The event was held May 9 at the beautiful new Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort ballroom on the waterfront in Chesapeake Beach. Around 180 guests enjoyed international and Chesapeake Bay cuisine while learning about the mission of the nonprofit organization from emcee and Foundation Board member Brandon Temple, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marny Fetzer and Chaplain Bill Miller.
Dr. Fetzer talked about the importance of the family caregiver. “Behind every person we care for, behind every patient navigating a serious illness, there is often someone quietly carrying a tremendous weight,” Fetzer said. “A wife helping her husband in and out of bed. A son tracking medications and managing appointments between work shifts. A daughter sleeping on a couch nearby, afraid she’ll miss her father’s final breath. They are family members, friends and neighbors and they are you.”
Funds from this year’s event will support programs that teach, support, and guide Calvert County people experiencing serious illness and their families. “We have visions of helping this community focus on health in addition to healthcare,” President and CEO Becky Miller said. “With your help we will continue to be the #1 independent, community-based hospice in Maryland and become the #1 trusted resource for people living with serious illness.”
The organization is grateful for the generous support of its many sponsors, including Diamond Spurs sponsors John & Cathy Belcher and Floor Systems; Gold Lasso sponsors Maertens Fine Jewelry and Peggy McKelly; and Silver Saddle sponsors CalvertHealth Medical Center and Lee Funeral Homes.
The nonprofit also would like to thank its event partners, Photobooth Partner, Crow Entertainment; Dessert Station Sponsor Dunkirk Vision; Décor and Centerpiece Sponsor Jan Kleponis, O’Brien Realty, ERA Powered; and Cocktail Hour Nibbles Partner, Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort.
For more photos from the event, visit https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/culinary-event/#gallery.
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- From left, Greg Kernan, Hospice of the Chesapeake Board Member; Brandon Temple, Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation Board Member; and Kristyn Temple.
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- From left, Fernando Argeles; Caryn Argeles; Peggy McKelly, Secretary, Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation Board; Peggy Garner; and Laura Schuessler.
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- From left, Brandon Mooney; Dawn Mooney, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Shore United Bank; and Kathy Maney, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
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- From left, Doug Ballard; Deb Ballard; Laura McDaniel; and Richard Wilder, Vice Chair, Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors.
All photos taken May 9, 2025, at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, by Elyzabeth Marcussen, Hospice of the Chesapeake.