Annual Hospice Breakfast Planned At The Waterview

By Nancy K. Crevier

What began as the Summer Solstice Breakfast 19 years ago was a fun way for residents Marilyn Alexander, the late B.J. Geerer, and six other members of the newly formed Newtown Chapter of Regional Hospice for Western Connecticut to raise money for the organization devoted to the comfort and care of terminally ill patients and their families. The event raised $5,000 dollars, and has continued to grow in popularity and stature each year. Now known as the Annual Regional Hospice Breakfast, in 2007 the Breakfast raised more than $19,000.

“A sponsor buys a table for $100,” explained Marg Studley, who along with Marie Sturdevant is co-chairing this year’s June 12 event at the Waterview on Route 34, just over the Newtown line in Monroe. “That gets the host eight seats. So a sponsor can buy a table and invite seven guests.” Last year the chapter introduced a corporate sponsorship that is once again available this year. “For $500, a business can host a table for 12,” said Ms Studley. The guests are encouraged to donate “tips” to their wait staff that become donations to the agency, as does any money raised through table sponsorship and the raffle.

Seats for “walk-ins” are always available, too. For $12 per person, anyone can be a part of this yearly event, Ms Studley said. It is also possible to sponsor a table even if the benefactor is unable to attend the breakfast, and recognition is always given to those who sponsor tables, whether they can attend or not.

The breakfast is not just about fun and feasting, though. The breakfast offers a chance for the agency and townspeople to honor the many local volunteer caregivers, and learn about the Regional Hospice for Western Connecticut.

Regular supporters of the annual fundraiser look forward to a special speaker every year. This year, the executive director of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut Cynthia Roy Squitieri and Hospice director of community relations and development Terri Nackid will offer a presentation celebrating Regional Hospice’s 25 years of community relationship, said Ms Studley. “They will be sharing words about the interaction of the organization in the community, and offer positive insight into hospice,” she said.

“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we want to thank the community for all of its support,” said Ms Nackid. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the support of all the people whom we serve. We will be talking about hospice’s past, where we are today, and where we see ourselves in the future.” Presently, said Ms Nackid, Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut serves more than 500 patients and their families each year, and hopes to continue to be able to reach out to the people who can benefit from the care provided by the organization.

“In 25 years, we have grown to encompass a continuum of care,” explained Ms Nackid. “Not only do we offer hospice, but we have the Cares At Home program, and the Healing Heart Center for grieving children and families, and that program reaches out to the whole community,” she said.

Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut relies on the many partners, such as the Newtown Chapter, in the communities it serves to support the continuum of care, said Ms Nackid.

Breakfast diners are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 am for the 8 to 9 am event. Tickets for a raffle of items donated through the generosity of local merchants will go on sale before the start of the breakfast. At 8 am sharp, Monsignor Robert Weiss of St Rose will offer the invocation.

“It’s a fun way to start the day and give to a very worthy cause,” said Ms Studley. “And we try to be very prompt, because we know many of our supporters need to get on their way to work.”

To sponsor a table, call Marg Studley at 426-3651 by noon on Monday, June 9.