'Garden of Hope' Hospice theme

A season of abundant, gentle rains worked wonders in gardens across Southwest Nebraska and although they now lie fallow for the winter months, the memory of the peace that can be found in the brilliance of creation will be recreated Nov. 22, at a "Garden for Hope and Healing," during the annual An Evening for Hospice at the Republican River Valley Event Center. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m.

The annual fund raiser offers an opportunity for people in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas to support the ongoing work of hospice through the Community Hospital Health Foundation.

Dr. Wade Fornander will provide musical entertainment and a collection of testimonials by those touched by hospice will be presented on video.

"It's all about hospice," said Community Hospital Health Foundation executive director, Terri Shipshock. "This is why we do this - because the need is real, the need is there."

According to Shipshock, each package takes on a life of its own, and merchants and individuals not only contribute items to the cause, but encouragement and inspiration.

"The generosity of people is inspiring ... exciting," said Shipshock. "I have nothing but absolute gratitude for all of the people who come together, not only for An Evening for Hospice, but for the work of hospice."

Common Scents and Accents Etc. will brighten the corners of the dining room with garden decorations while supporters of hospice enjoy a plated dinner as well as the master of ceremonies and auctioneering talents of Cal Siegfried and Dennis Youngs. Patrons will enjoy memorial bouquets of colorful fall flowers that will grace each table. Memorial bouquets can be purchased for $50 and will be accompanied by a memorial card. The bouquets can be taken home by the purchaser at the close of the evening.

Auction items include a variety of sport packages, including tickets to the Jan. 3 Broncos-Chiefs game in Denver in the "Mile High in the New Year" package; four College World Series tickets and two tickets to the Cornhusker's home opener Sept. 4, 2010, in the "Nebraska Sports Center Score!" package; and golf enthusiasts will be on the links at Heritage Hills, Cross Creek and Wild Horse in the "On the Green" package.

"Off to the Races" features four tickets to the Kansas City Raceway for the Indy Car and Truck Series in May, and a Richard Petty Driving Experience.

John Kuglar is offering an "Up, Up and Away" champagne balloon ride for two. The picnic basket from Knowlen and Yates completes this package.

"Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" is offered in keeping with the An Evening for Hospice theme, and includes an arbor, a fountain, wheelbarrow, garden tools and two garden hoses, along with a $200 gift certificate from Common Scents. For those who appreciate a garden view indoors, Anne Kennedy offers her 16X21" matted and framed watercolor "Trumpets in the Garden."

"Promise Her Everything" is a compilation of items from McCook PEO Chapters and Longnecker Jewelry, that includes pearls, a mink coat, champagne and glasses, tickets to the Nutcracker in Denver Dec. 12, and a stay in a Victorian Bed and Breakfast.

Others looking for a reason to travel can bid on the Las Vegas trip, including airfare and a three-night stay at the Riviera.

Additional packages include a sculpture by Sondra Jonson, several dining opportunities, including a gourmet dinner from Don and Alice Harpst and Sharleen and Brad Riemenschneider, and a Daniel Brockway Memorial Dinner, prepared and served by the Brockway family.

Wayne Rouse, president of Country Stampede and a former McCookite, has once again contributed an acoustic guitar, this year signed by the Sawyer Brown Band, Kellie Pickler and other country stars.

The "Take a Chance" package this year is "This Little Piggy Went to Market" featuring a whole hog from Greg and Diane Wolfe, with processing from Willow Creek Meats.

More than a dozen silent auction items will also be displayed, offering art, entertainment, a one-year family pass to the YMCA, a coffee lovers package, a handmade quilt and quilt rack, gift baskets and more.

Willow Creek Meats is catering the plated dinner of prime rib, baked potatoes, pasta, vegetables, tossed green salad, dinner rolls and a variety of cheesecakes.

Tickets are on sale now through Nov. 6 at a cost of $40. For tickets purchased after that date, a late fee of $5 will be added. As a charitable donation, $10 of each ticket is tax deductible.

Tickets are available through Community Hospital Health Foundation, (308) 344-7222. Everyone is cordially invited to attend and take part in "one special night, one important cause."