Niagara Hospice celebrates National Hospice & Palliative Care Month with upcoming events

Guest Editorial by Niagara Hospice

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month – and a time to raise awareness about the specialized, expert care Niagara Hospice provides to individuals with life-limiting illness. In recognizing the month, the nonprofit organization has events planned for November.

“Dine Out for Hospice” will be taking place all month, and is an opportunity for people to give back to Niagara Hospice by dining at a participating restaurant, where a percentage of the bill goes directly back to the nonprofit. For a list of participating restaurants, visit www.niagarahospice.org/dineout.

Niagara Hospice will also celebrate the 29th anniversary of its longest-running fundraiser, “Cocktails and CA$H,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. The event will be held at Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Co., located at 7801 Chestnut Ridge Road, Gasport. “Cocktails and CA$H” is presented by the Niagara Hospice board of directors and is highlighted on the calendars of regular guests every year, each wondering if they will be the holder of the ticket for the grand prize of $7,500.

“We are looking forward to bringing this event back in-person this year,” said James Shaw, D.D.S., Niagara Hospice board chairman. “The beauty of ‘Cocktails & CA$H’ has always been the people of this community giving generously to support the compassionate care and mission of Niagara Hospice.”

Tickets are $75 and include dinner by Hilltop Restaurant, open bar and chance to win up to $7,500, as well as other prizes. Event Coordinator Allison Bolt said winners need not be present to win, and that only 450 tickets will be sold – increasing the odds for a prize. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased on the event calendar page at www.NiagaraHospice.org or by calling Bolt at 716-280-0766. The event includes an ’80s theme, 50/50 split, wine pull, and an online silent auction.

The auction begins at noon Nov. 13 and closes at 6 p.m. Nov. 18. To sign up for the online silent auction, visit 32auctions.com/cocktailsandcash.

All proceeds from “Cocktails & CA$H” benefit Niagara Hospice.

Hospice is a way of caring for individuals with end-of-life illnesses and supporting their family and loved ones through the illness, dying and grieving process. Niagara Hospice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has provided end-of-life care since 1988, serving over 30,000 patients and their families, and is the only hospice provider in Niagara County. Niagara Hospice is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, and care is a fully covered Medicare benefit. Call 716-439-4417 or visit www.NiagaraHospice.org to learn more.