PRESS RELEASE: May 20, 2008 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
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Nearly half a million individuals across the U.S. volunteer for hospice organizations.

Dr. Don Schumacher, President and C.E.O. of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, said, “Hospices could not do the important work they do without the dedicated time and talents of the special people who find it in their hearts to make a difference for others at the end of life.”

Delaware Hospice celebrated National Volunteer Month by inviting its 650 volunteers statewide to a special dinner for each county.

In New Castle County, volunteers enjoyed an evening at Harry’s Savoy Grill on Naamans Road in Wilmington.

Awards were presented to volunteers who have served Delaware Hospice for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. Volunteer Coordinator Marguerite Werner praised all volunteers, saying, “You are the Silver Lining in all of our programs. You make the best of any situation, whether holding a caregiver’s hand, delivering groceries, fluffing a tree at the Festival, extending a warm hug to a New Hope camper to reassure them that someone cares, or helping our organization’s visions become reality as a member of the Board of Trustees. Your goodness always shows forth to make a difference in our community.”

Anne Priebe received was honored for 25 years of service in New Castle County, and Jayne Britt for 20 years. Awards for 15 years were presented to Fran Fletcher, Liz Garwood, Lucy Green, Edie Grunfeld, and Kathy Norbury. Ten Year Service Awards went to: Mary Jane Bennett, Marty Budd, Phyllis Kirson-Lann, Barbara Lucht, Amy Lukk, Joan Whitney, and Helen Wisniewski.

Kent County:
In Kent County at the Looking Glass Restaurant, Jeanne Buckworth of Odessa was honored with a 25 year award. Recipients of the Twenty Year Service Award were Frances Downes and Mary Loessner. Ten Year Award honorees were William Benton, Corinne Christiansen, and Beth Flaherty. Five Year Award recipients were Stella Auchterlonie, Jay Jukill, Susan Kessler, Dartha Poteat, Barbara Shaw, Mark and Nancy Thalheimer.

Sussex County:
In Sussex County, dinner was held at the Baywood Greens. Sandra Wilgus received a Twenty Year Service Award; Jeanette Cane, Paul Littleton and Sue Tenenbaum received Fifteen Year Service Awards; Virginia Bau, Berta Copeland, Marie Joseph, and Jan Pappas earned Ten Year Awards; and Kathleen Barrow, Jean Beshears, Betty Cazille, Connie Daisey, Jean Hartley, Roberta Macy, Nancy Palmer, Jeanne Taley, Monica Welch, and Bessie Wilson were recognized for Five Years.

To learn more about volunteering for Delaware Hospice, call the Volunteer Coordinator in your county at 1-800-838-9800. Learn more about Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: Delaware Hospice Volunteers receiving fifteen year service awards at Delaware Hospice’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner: Fran Fletcher, Liz Garwood, Lucy Green, Edie Grunfeld and Kathy Norbury.

About Delaware Hospice