On the night Hospice of the Golden Isles (HGI) celebrated the holiday season and honored lost loved ones with thousands of lights, bright smiles also lit the faces of the many guests who attended the Lights of Love Dove Society Reception. On this special occasion, HGI unveiled its new Friends of Hospice Donor Recognition Wall. This permanent tribute to legacy gifts and generous contributions hangs in the HGI lobby where it can be seen by all who enter. Past major gifts are recognized here and new major gifts will be added each year.
A minimum donation of $10,000 to either the newly established Hospice of the Golden Isles Endowment or directly to HGI will be recognized in the Golden Heart Dove Society every year the gift is received. A minimum donation of $50,000 to either the Endowment or directly to HGI will be permanently recognized in the Benefactor’s Circle and updated every year of the donation. This is a wonderful way to honor those who support the non-profit mission of HGI to provide the highest quality, most compassionate care to all in need throughout the five counties HGI serves, including the Golden Isles community.
Several major contributors and founders were in attendance for the unveiling, including the Benefield Family, Hugh Nunnally, Helen and Pep Peppiatt and Johnny and Joyce Thomas. Since 2005, Johnny and Joyce, along with their family and friends, have raised nearly $250,000 for HGI by hosting the R.E. Thomas Memorial Benefit each year. The Thomas Family received special recognition on the wall for their dedicated annual fundraising efforts.
Such support is vital to HGI’s commitment to provide expert care and compassion regardless of ability to pay. The annual cost for unfunded and underfunded hospice care is approximately $700,000. There are many ways to support HGI through charitable gifts, donations, Auxiliary membership, and volunteerism. Visit the Giving section of their website at hospice.me to learn more about giving opportunities.
Dewey Benefield, Hugh Nunnally, Helen and Pep Peppiatt
Another way you can show your support of our only non-profit hometown hospice is by attending fundraisers that benefit HGI. On Saturday, February 9, ladies can look forward to an exceptional afternoon of sipping and shopping when Wine Women & Shoes returns to The Cloister on Sea Island with a White Party! Mingle with the always charming Shoe Guys while enjoying fine wines and a delicious lunch, shopping designer fashions, and bidding on incredible live and silent auction items. And make sure to don your most fabulous footwear with those winter whites for your chance to be named “Best in Shoe.” Once again, guests will have the opportunity to win the Key to the Closet and there will be a little friendly fundraising competition amongst Shoe Guys to be named “King of Sole.” For more information and to purchase tickets, visit winewomenshoes.com/events/goldenisles.
We’re also pleased to announce that the St. Simons Food & Spirits Festival will be back this Spring. That’s right! The festival has been moved out of hurricane season in the hope that there will be less problem with inclement weather threatening or cancelling outdoor events. Set aside March 23-24 to sample scrumptious seasonal fare and sip creative cocktails and craft beverages. We hear there will be more live music this year too! Can’t wait to see what the organizers have up their sleeves! For updated information and tickets, visit saintsimonsfoodandspirits.com
From event dinners to Dove Society membership, every dollar coming in to benefit Hospice of the Golden Isles is valued. HGI simply couldn’t provide the comprehensive and award-winning level of services that they do without these generous gifts and community fundraising efforts.
