Story posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Rainbow Hospice Ball Raises Funds, Recognizes Key Players
By DENISE FLEISCHER Lifestyle Editor
Five hundred seventy five guests attended the Park Ridge-based Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Angels Ball on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont.
It is estimated that the Silent Auction raised over $30,000 and the Grand Raffle raised nearly $26,000.
According to Jeff Okazaki, media representative for Rainbow Hospice, the ball is the signature event for the organization.
"It's the largest fundraiser that Rainbow Hospice hosts and helps to provide funding for all of the programs, services and support that Rainbow Hospice provides," Okazaki stated.
"Each year, we also recognize a person or persons who have made significant contributions in anyway over the course of their involvement with Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care," explained Okazaki.
The event began with a cocktail reception with appetizers. Guests then headed toward the silent auction tables, filled with nearly 100 baskets. Dave Samson, vice president and chief development officer acted as master of ceremonies. He and other speakers at the podium were easily viewed on two screens in between the orchestra's platform. This year's recognition was given to Dr. Harold and Mrs. Shirlee Shafter. The late Dr. Shafter was a board member for Rainbow Hospice from 2001 until 2009, and a strong supporter of the mission and work of the organization. Dr. Shafter established the first residency program for internal medicine and later went on to head Lutheran General's Cardiology Dept.
Samson also recognized co-sponsors and special friends of Rainbow present at the event: Advocate Health Care and Resurrection Health Care, board members, Bob & Joyce Christensen, Dr. John Sage, Don and Diane Finney, the Sasser Family and Marv and Barb Feig.
"More than 2,500 patients and families have been entrusted in our care and embrace," Samson stated. "More than 30,000 nursing visits throughout six Chicagoland counties were made and our volunteers logged in just north of 20,000 hours of volunteer time."
Samson said this was a small sampling of what Rainbow was able to accomplish with the help of its employees, volunteers and thousands of donors.
Pat Ahern, president and chief executive officer told of lessons learned and stories told having worked with Dr. Shafter.
"There are the serious formation stories about clinical excellence. Story lessons from Shirlee about travel, worldview and history. And, both Shafters led by example: engaging and investing into community resources for the frail, poor and vulnerable," stated Ahern.
Dr. Shafter was ill and yet he continued on his personal mission to help others until the end of his life, Ahern remarked.
She then focused on the unsung heroes – the caregivers.
"I recently heard someone talk about coming through the experience of taking care of her husband with ALS and describing herself as 'better, not bitter.' Amazing – enduring such an experience and feeling like a better person because of it," Ahern stated.
Ahern spoke about various caregivers and their experiences. Each touching and a lesson in giving because of love and how Rainbow Hospice helped in simple or special ways.
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