'All Aboard!' -- Annual Evening for Hospice to send participants on brief excursion to the tropics

Landlocked Southwest Nebraskans can look forward to a brief excursion to the tropics Sunday, Nov. 9, when the "All Aboard" call is heard at the Republican River Valley Event Center.

The 10th annual Evening for Hospice has adopted a nautical approach to this year's theme, "Life is a Journey" and many of the packages offered at auction this year will be adventurous travel packages, including a Carnival cruise, three days and two nights in Las Vegas, and a dinner cruise for four on the River City Star.

"We have several other adventure packages where we're just putting together the final touches," said Terri Shipshock, director of Community Hospital Health Foundation.

The Evening for Hospice committee started meeting in July and with each passing week, the 20 dedicated volunteers continue to pick up the pace.

"We have the most talented and creative people," Shipshock said, "and we're all looking forward to another great year, another great event."

Apparently, those involved in planning the annual extravaganza have their ears finely tuned to all things nautical, as Terri related in a story that defines serendipity.

"Some ladies were planning a garage sale at the 4-H building and had two boxes of sea shells they just wanted out of the way.

"They called Open Line and told Rich (Barnett) that the shells were just outside the building and whoever wanted to come pick them up was welcome to them."

Terri, on her way to the office, heard the broadcast and headed immediately for the fairgrounds. Denise Volquardsen and Sarah Rippen, members of the hospice committee, heard the same broadcast and also took immediate action to secure the shells for decoration purposes.

"There was a lady in Cambridge who also called to reserve the shells for craft work," Terri admitted. She'll take possession of the shells immediately following Evening for Hospice.

Among the confirmed package items is a guitar signed by Charlie Daniels; a Cornhusker package, a portrait from Olson's Photography, two quarter beefs from Willow Creek Meats, and a gourmet dinner, hosted by four of McCook's finest. Photographer Adam Powers will again take posed photos throughout the evening.

Though the face of Evening for Hospice has had many expressions over the past 10 years, raising more than $250,000, the mission remains the same; "to walk side-by-side with patients to offer assistance, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually, at the end of life."

Funds raised enable Hospice staff and volunteers to receive up-to-date training, such as the volunteer training offered earlier this month, and provide monies for supplies and equipment not covered by insurance plans. The foundation also sets aside funds from the fund raiser for people who lack traditional resources and may have no other way to pay for the service.

"Our demographics are changing," said Shipshock. Southwest Nebraska has the highest level of citizens over 65 years compared to the the state overall, she said, adding, "People 65 and over generally have compromising health issues."

Shipshock stated the need to develop a rural model for hospice. It can be hard to provide adequate services in remote locations. but the need is great because so many primary caregivers are elderly themselves, and in frail health.

Auction packages are still in the developmental stage, as are silent auction items. Anyone wanting to contribute in any way to the hospice program or to the Evening for Hospice event can call the Community Hospital Health Foundation at (308) 344-7222.

Sponsors will be recognized at five levels: Golden Sponsor, $800 or higher in package items or monetary gifts; Diamond Sponsor, $500 or higher in package items or monetary gifts; Emerald Sponsor, $300 or higher in package items or monetary gifts; Ruby Sponsor, $100 or higher in package items or monetary gifts; and Gifters, package items or monetary gifts valued at less than $100.

"All contributions are needed and greatly appreciated," said Shipshock. "We couldn't do this without the generosity of many. Everyone's contribution matters."

The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner, catered by Sehnert's is at 6 and the auction, with Auctioneer Dennis Youngs begins at 7 p.m. Cal Seigfried will return as emcee. Jim Ulrich, CEO of Community Hospital, acting as captain of the ship, along with his wife, Kandace, are waiting to welcome you aboard.