Literature Review

'Dear God, I need help on this one': How a prayer from Hildegard House's founder was answered ABC News WHAS-11, Louisville, KY; by Doug Proffitt; 2/27/25 Up from the dirt of an 1800's camelback style house on Story Avenue, in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood, Karen Cassidy has a plan. "We’re standing on the original dirt floor of the house, that’s the way they built things," she said. She's the former nurse who founded the Hildegard House 11 years ago. Hildegard is a place for the terminally ill to die in peace. With three private bedrooms and around the clock care, it’s a peaceful haven for people who have no home, or loved ones to care for them, so that they may die with dignity.  ... It is funded successfully and solely by both private donations and foundations. Now, in the new space, the plan is to build a refuge called the "Center for Care Giver Education" at the Story Avenue location. “This is for caregivers that are at home trying to maintain their loved ones at home," Cassidy said. ... At the new center they will teach families the basics. ... The owners of the historic Story Avenue house helped by cutting her a deal. She says they told her they would sell it to her $100,000 less than what they put it on the market for. Donations from foundations helped her buy the house with cash. But then, she got estimates for the renovation and restoration totaling $450,000. “I said 'dear God, I need help on this one,'” Cassidy said. Then God, from that prayer, appeared in a most modern way. ... “Two weeks later I got an email from an attorney who said, ‘Can you meet me for lunch? Somebody has left their estate to Hildegard House,'" she told WHAS11 News. "It was $450,000. That did it!” The out-of-the-heavens donation means they are funding the renovation, top to bottom with cash. Nothing will be owed. Cassidy later learned why that money came her way. “We had cared for someone’s mother and they were so grateful,” she said. Editor's note: I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hildegard House. I continue to be amazed at the profound care and superb systems envisioned, implemented and moved forward by Karen Cassidy, her staff, 80+ volunteers, the Board, and community support.

Hospice of the Piedmont offers discount book, conversation starters for family and friends Augusta Free Press, Waynesboro, VA; by Crystal Graham; 2/26/25 Hospice of the Piedmont has your ticket to discounts at restaurants, theaters, wineries and breweries as well as advice for starting a meaningful conversation with loved ones. ... The printed coupon book offers buy-one-get-one-free entrees, free theater tickets and half price wine tastings. It also includes thoughtful conversation starters designed to spark meaningful discussions with family and friends about life and its final journey. “So much of life happens around the dinner table, at a winery with friends or on a night out at the theater,” said Jenn Downs, chief marketing and development officer at HOP. “We wanted to give people a way to enjoy those experiences while encouraging people to have the kinds of conversations that truly matter.” Editor's note: Applause to Hospice of the Piedmont for this creative, engaging integration of community partnerships (with restaurants, theaters, etc.), hospice fund-raising, and catalyst for meaningful, potentially life-changing dialogues.

Rob and Karen Hale donate $1 million to NVAN and Hospice to advance hospice care The Anchor, Hignahm, MA; by Staff Writer; 2/25/25 Rob and Karen Hale have made a $1 million donation to NVNA and Hospice, furthering their commitment to improving healthcare access on the South Shore. This latest gift, separate from their Fox Rock Foundation’s previous $1 million endowment in 2022, will support hospice care initiatives in two key ways: $500,000 will be added to the endowment, while the remaining $500,000 is unrestricted funding to enhance hospice services. “We believe strongly in patient care access for everyone, and NVNA and Hospice is investing in that priority for hospice services,” said Karen Hale.  

[UK Hospice Fundraiser] Over 5,000 Christmas trees recycled to help local parks Manchester News, United Kingdom; by Manchester City Council; 2/26/25... In partnership with local charity Just Helping, who fundraise for Francis House hospice, the We Love Manchester charity and St Ann’s hospice, we raised £117, 675 for local hospices and charities as well as saved a an estimated 84, 944kg on CO2 emissions.  Editor's note: This recycling Christmas trees fundraiser is a popular community engagement fundraiser for many hospices. The work is done mainly by volunteers. Articles we posted this past season include the following:

Hospice provider Navian Hawaii receives $4.3M gift from Weinman Foundation Pacific Business News; by Janis Magin; 2/25/25 Navian Hawaii formerly known as Hospice Hawaii has received a $4.3 million gift from the Weinman Foundation that the Honolulu based nonprofit is calling transformational. The donation from the foundation founded by the late Barrie and Virginia Weinman will allow Navian Hawaii to expand its residential care services ... [Access to the full article is behind a paywall.]Editor's note: Congratulations to Navian Hawaii for this significant--yes--"transformation" gift. 

Caroline’s Thrift holds annual gifting ceremony The Pajaronian, Santa Cruz, CA; by Todd Guild; 2/20/25It has been 15 years since Caroline’s Thrift opened, and since that time owner Christine Licker has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits. On Feb. 9, Licker held her annual gifting ceremony, during which she handed out checks to 37 organizations totaling $575,500. That brings the total she has given out to more than $4.5 million. She says her inspiration in opening the store was her daughter Caroline, who died at 16 after receiving support from four nonprofits. In her first year, she gave away $40,000, a number that grew to $120,000 the next year. The gifts, she says, are both a way to say 'thank you' and to help the organizations with their mission. ... [This year's list of recipients includes: ...]

[UK] Campaign focuses on hospice's work: [This is Hospice Care] The Free Library; by Sam Volpe; 2/17/25 Tyneside Hospice is taking part in a new national campaign highlighting their "vital role" - while one son has paid tribute to the care his mother received in her final days. St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle is one of more than 140 hospices taking part in a new campaign called "This is Hospice Care" which is designed to demystify the role hospices play in our communities. [England, Scotland and Wales] Click here for "This is Hospice Care | UK," on the St. Oswald's Hospice website.

Harley Owners Group & Community make splash for JRMC Hospice NewsDakota.com, Jamestown, ND; by Steve Urness; 2/18/25 The spirit of generosity and adventure was alive and well at the 19th annual Polar Pig Walk the Plank & Chili Cook-off, held Feb. 1 at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. ... This year, Polar Pig reached an incredible milestone—surpassing $300,000 raised for JRMC Hospice since its inception. ... This year alone, $19,405 was raised, directly benefiting the care provided by the JRMC Hospice team. Braving the winter air, dozens of participants in a wide variety of costumes took the plunge, leaping into the water in the name of hospice care. Spectators cheered as JRMC team members, community members and families joined in the fun, embracing the cold for a cause. The event also featured a chili cook-off and silent auction.Editor's note: We don't know the temperature for this North Dakota polar plunge on Feb 1. However, the weather on Thu 2/20 in Jamestown, ND is -8°.  Bravo to these brave souls!

Harbor Foundation expands mission with support for Southeast Texas students The Examiner, Beaumont, TX; by Barbara Davis; 2/18/25 Hope from heartache: For nearly two decades, the Harbor Foundation has been operating as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in hospice care, as well as the patients’ families. ... In 2024, the foundation’s efforts grew to include educational support, awarding $20,000 in scholarships to area seniors. As a result of donations and fundraising success, the Harbor Foundation reported that it will award 25 $1,000 scholarships to Southeast Texas seniors this year. This one-time $1,000 award is granted to graduating high school seniors who have lost a parent. Recognizing the financial challenges that accompany such a loss, the foundation aims to alleviate some of the burdens associated with pursuing higher education. ...Editor's note: These significant "one-time" awards for high school seniors who have lost a parent can provide life-changing opportunities of support at a most critical time for these teens. Consider how your hospice--or another nonprofit--might replicate this innovative, meaningful program.

Valley Hospice House to open Feb. 25, expanding hospice care in the region Bladen Online, Fayetteville, NC; contributed by Cape Fear Valley Health; 2/14/25 Cape Fear Valley Health is proud to announce the official opening of Valley Hospice House, a new, dedicated facility for hospice care, located at 2431 Legion Road. The facility will begin accepting patients on Tuesday, Feb. 25, providing specialized General Inpatient (GIP) Hospice Care and Respite Care in a compassionate, home-like setting. “The opening of Valley Hospice House marks a significant step forward in enhancing hospice services for our community,” said Susan Dees, Chief Nursing Executive. 

Our Hospice Jennings County Gala nets $65K Bridge - WKJD, North Vernon, IN; by LND Staff; 2/12/25 The 27th Annual Our Hospice Jennings Gala, held last Saturday in the Barn at Willow Crossing, raised over $65,000 to support compassionate hospice care services for Jennings County residents. The evening’s success marks a significant milestone for Our Hospice to provide the highest quality compassionate, end-of-life care to community members regardless of their ability to pay. Over 200 community members, healthcare professionals, and business leaders attended this year’s event. “The overwhelming generosity displayed at this year’s gala reflects our community’s deep commitment to ensuring that every family in Jennings County has access to dignified hospice care when they need it most,” said Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice.

Wilton’sTurnover Shop surpasses historic milestone — $1 million in donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice  Good Morning Wilton, Wilton, CN; by Reader Contributed to GMW; 2/7/25 A legacy of generosity has reached a historic milestone — the Turnover Shop of Wilton has surpassed $1 million in lifetime donations to Waveny LifeCare Network’s Visiting Nurse and Hospice. This extraordinary achievement, 80 years in the making, continues to fuel the Network’s Patient Care Fund, ensuring that home care and hospice services remain accessible to those in need, regardless of financial circumstances. “This milestone is a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven generosity,” Homecare at Waveny Vice President Carol Smith said. ... As two deeply rooted nonprofit organizations, Waveny’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice and the Turnover Shop share a mission of service, dedication and heartfelt support for their community. 

100 Women Who Care present $10,325 to CHI Health at Home Hospice Morrison County Record, Coon Rapids, MN; 2/10/25 CHI Health at Home Hospice of Little Falls, MN is proud to announce and celebrate being one of the selected nonprofits from Morrison County 100 Women Who Care to receive the donation of $10,325.00. “Many of our Hospice services are not covered by insurance including the healing touch by our massage therapist and the beautiful music from our music therapist. We are thrilled to have received these funds from 100 Women Who Care to continue to provide very unique services to our Hospice clients.” – Michele Halvorsen; Director of CHI Health at Home Hospice.