Over 300 people are setting aside their finest evening wear for a gala event that once benefited one good cause but now serves two.
Heartfelt Holidays will take place on Dec. 1 at Choctaw Lodge in London. For over two decades, the benefit was known as Hospice Holidays and proceeds went to Madison County Hospital’s Home Health and Hospice program.
"We used to make $10,000 to $15,000 at Hospice Holidays. Now, we’re raising $60,000. So, we wanted to do something more with the money," said Kelly Snyder, Madison County Hospital Foundation coordinator.
The Foundation decided to tie its breast care initiative in with the event and rename it Heartfelt Holidays. The switch was made last year.
Now, part of the proceeds are used to cover the costs of breast care for people who cannot afford it. Statistics show that Madison County has the highest rate of breast cancer and the highest rate of deaths from breast cancer in Ohio.
Heartfelt Holidays continues to benefit Home Health and Hospice, too. The program offers three types of service. Home health provides specialized nursing care and other therapeutic services in patients’ homes. With hospice care, professionals and volunteers work with physicians to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients with life-limiting ill-nesses. With Welcome Home, a nurse visits new mothers to answer questions, provide a newborn assessment, and give instruc-tions on newborn care, immunization schedules and infant nutrition.
While tickets to Heartfelt Holidays are sold out, opportunities to contribute are still available. Raffle tickets are $5 each or six for $25. First prize is a $500 Visa card from First Merit and Midland Title. Second prize is a two-night stay at a bed and breakfast in Holmes County, Ohio. Third prize is a $100 Bob Evans gift card.
Additionally, donations are needed for the silent and live auctions.
To purchase raffle tickets or drop off auction items, stop by or contact the Madison County Hospital Foundation office, 210 N. Main Street in London, 740-845-7050, or Madison County Home Health and Hospice, 212 N. Main Street in London, 845-7550.
