Dinner theater, chance to help families all part of annual Evening for Hospice

Terri Shipshock, left, executive director of Community Hospital Health Foundation, and Dannett Kloepping, administrative assistant, prepare invitations for the 16th annual An Evening For Hospice, set for Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Republican River Valley Event Center. (Dawn Cribbs/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The 16th annual An Evening for Hospice, set for Saturday, Nov. 23, promises light-hearted fun, a unique dinner theater featuring players from McCook Community College, and the opportunity to support those who provide comfort, help and perhaps most important of all -- dignity -- to those who are dying.

The annual event has provided a wide range of entertainment through the years while never losing sight of the seriousness of the subject matter or of the vital services provided -- not only for those who are dying, but for the family and friends who love them.

Under the direction of Terri Shipshock, executive director of Community Hospital Health Foundation and the work of committee members, this year's event includes a silent auction, $25 Charitable Chance tickets, Italian fare and the theater production "Check Please," all at the Republican River Valley Event Center.

An elegant evening is planned, including memorial centerpieces that feature a bottle of wine (donated by Tyler Schmick of Schmick's Market), an ice bucket and a personalized keepsake memorial. The date also coincides with Schmick's first wine tasting of the holiday season, set for 5 p.m. Tyler invites An Evening for Hospice guests to get ready early and stop by the store for a taste of the grape.

Clay Grizzle, professor of theater and speech at McCook Community College will direct the multi-act play that takes a comical look at blind dates. "The dinner theater is new to An Evening for Hospice," Shipshock said. "We're all looking forward it."

Cal Siegfried, who has served as master of ceremonies/auctioneer for several prior hospice events, will again utilize his unique talents and skills to add a new twist to the event.

The early registration deadline is Nov. 18, tickets are $50 per person, with $30 per ticket tax deductible. After Nov. 18, a $5 late fee will be added.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the Community Hospital Health Foundation at (308) 344-7222.