19th Annual Breakfast Honors Volunteers Of Hospice

By Nancy K. Crevier

A steady stream of cars made its way off of Route 34 and down the winding lane to The Waterview in Monroe early Thursday morning, June 12. The more than 400 breakfast diners were there to support and celebrate the volunteers and care givers of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut at the annual fundraiser breakfast hosted by the Newtown chapter. This year, the breakfast also honored Regional Hospice’s 25 years of community relationships.

Co-chairpersons Marie Sturdevant and Marg Studley had worked for several months to coordinate the 19th annual event that raises thousands of dollars for the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut each spring.

Individuals and businesses sponsor a table that seats eight for $100. Corporations sponsor tables of 12 for a cost of $500, and breakfast guests are encouraged to tip the “coffee servers,” who are the tables’ hosts, in envelopes placed on each table. The tips become donations to the agency, as does any money raised through table sponsorship and the raffle. The Newtown chapter was pleased this year to have Union Savings of Danbury, Newtown Savings Bank, the Newtown Lions Club, and TR Paul support the cause as corporate sponsors.

By 7:45 am, the sunny room was filled with supporters mingling, chatting, and sipping cups of hot coffee and tea. By 8 am, every seat was taken and the chatter subsided as Monsignor Robert Weiss of St Rose Catholic Church offered the invocation. He asked for blessing upon those who “reach out in compassion to those in need,” and gave thanks to Hospice for the care brought to families and patients during difficult times.

The Waterview servers then swiftly set each place with a plate of bacon, eggs, and home fries, and fresh fruit served up in martini glasses. As diners downed the delicious meal, they continued to visit before pausing to listen to speakers Terri Nackid, director of community relations and development, and Cynthia Roy-Squitieri, executive director, of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, as they introduced a brief video of patients, friends, families, and caregivers who have benefited from Hospice care.

“Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut cared for 600 hospice patients in their homes last year,” noted Ms Roy-Squitieri, and added that the 200 volunteers had provided more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service. It is because of the generosity of the communities it serves that Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut is able to provide the quality of service that it has for the past 25 years, Ms Roy-Squitieri said.

The morning wrapped up with a raffle of several items donated through the generosity of local businesses and individuals, and by 9 am supporters were back on the road and off to work.

Following the breakfast, Ms Studley said that at a time when the weak economy is on everyone’s mind, she was pleased that the breakfast raised $18,500 this year.

“The turnout was great,” said Ms Studley. “It was good to see everyone supporting hospice and honoring the volunteers.”