Everyone has the right to receive compassionate, dignified end-of-life care – and money should never be an obstacle to receiving this type of care. That’s why Center for Hospice Care (CHC) made a promise in 1980 that no one eligible for hospice care would be turned away due to an inability pay.
“We mention this promise often because our commitment to providing these services,
regardless of one’s ability to pay, is one of the driving forces behind our fundraising efforts,” said Mike Wargo, chief operating officer of the Hospice Foundation. “This generous community has enabled us to keep that promise – and we intend to continue fulfilling that commitment into the future.”
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our many supporters, we have been able to keep that promise.
In the last five years alone, CHC has provided nearly $10 million in unreimbursed and discounted patient care and bereavement services to thousands of people throughout our local community. All donations – large and small – contribute to keeping this promise to the community. As the largest hospice provider in Indiana, CHC is privileged to be able to support the community in this way. In fact, our 2017 Annual Appeal focused specifically on funding for charity care through the recently established “Sister Carmel Helping Hands Fund,” created in honor of Sister Carmel Marie Sallows C.S.C., our 34th Helping Hands Award recipient.
Much of what we do is bring members of our community together. Not simply to raise money to support CHC, but also to provide an opportunity for people to learn about the programs we provide to the community that have helped so many. Nothing brings people together like a great event, and over the years, the Hospice Foundation has had the privilege of hosting many well-received ones. These events have been as meaningful and touching, as they are fun and informative and focus on supporting the mission of CHC and the constituencies we serve across our nine-county service area.
Over the years, CHC has also benefited from numerous fundraising events held by other organizations.
These groups, many photographed here, create their own signature events that engage the community and raise money. These proceeds are generously donated to the Hospice Foundation to support the work of CHC. On May 9, 2017 the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County held its second Give Local St. Joseph County, a 24-hour giving event. With 67 charities participating, CHC topped the list of charities for the largest amount of money raised at $528,000
Donor Impact Stories
Larry Kajzer
“I started volunteering with Center for Hospice Care in 2009. In 2012, I started the veteran pinning ceremonies. I am a military veteran, serving from 1967-1969, in Korea from 1968-69. I am aware of all who served as well as those still serving to help make this the great country it is today. That is why I take an active role in thanking them for their service by supporting CHC through volunteerism and donations.”
Holly Farmer
“Working for Center for Hospice Care for over 17 years has given me the opportunity to be a part of the lifechanging services we provide to the community – especially to those grieving the death of a loved one. I became a regular donor as a way of giving back to this amazing and generous organization that has given our community so much. I am honored to support the services we provide and appreciate being able to see the positive impact we have every day in the lives of our patients and families.”
Bruce Boembeke
“I first started supporting Center for Hospice Care in 2010 because I saw first-hand the compassionate and quality care my mother received from CHC. Because of my love of cycling, I have supported CHC through regular participation in Bike Michiana for Hospice and by raising additional money each year to support the important work of this organization. Knowing that my contributions are helping others in the community receive such compassionate care is personally meaningful.”
