Spectrum: Grand Lake Hospice Gala Returns April 18 With “Rhinestone Rodeo” Theme

Grand Lake Hospice is getting ready for its annual Hospice Gala, a major fundraiser that helps support hospice services for local families.

On the latest episode of Spectrum, host Kevin Sandler talked with Jamie Quellhorst, Director of Outpatient Nursing, and Sarah Seitz, Hospice Coordinator at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The conversation focused on what hospice care really is, common misconceptions, and how the community can help support the program through upcoming events.

Quellhorst and Seitz explained hospice is designed to focus on comfort and quality of life when treatments are no longer providing the quality of life a patient wants. They also encouraged families to ask questions early if hospice has been brought up, stressing that calling hospice does not mean someone is “giving up.” They said hospice care supports more than cancer patients, and can help people facing end stage heart failure, lung disease, and other chronic conditions.

They described hospice as a team approach that includes nurses, aides to help with personal care, a full time pastor for spiritual and bereavement support, and a social worker to help families navigate needs and questions. They also highlighted additional support through volunteers and services like massage therapy and music therapy, with a goal of easing stress on caregivers and helping patients focus on what brings them comfort.

The guests also explained the difference between hospice care and palliative care. Palliative care patients may still be receiving active treatment, while hospice care focuses on comfort and managing symptoms, often with the goal of keeping patients at home or wherever “home” is for them, rather than repeated trips back and forth to doctors and hospitals.

This year’s Grand Lake Hospice Gala is set for Saturday, April 18 at Roamer’s. The theme is “Rhinestone Rodeo,” with cocktail attire encouraged and a western flair welcome, including cowboy hats, boots, and belt buckles. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. The night will include silent and live auctions, along with entertainment from the Blue Water Kings. Organizers said the band will also mix in some country music, and guests can expect a couple line dances during the evening.

Auction items mentioned during the show include a golf package and a guitar signed by more than 20 country artists.

Tickets are 75 dollars per person, with an option to purchase a table for eight that can reduce the per ticket price. Tickets can be purchased by calling 419 394 3387, extension 3567, or by visiting grandlakehealth dot org and navigating to the gala ticket information.

The guests also noted there are other ways to support hospice beyond the gala. A Crumbl Cookie fundraiser is planned next Friday starting at noon at the hospice parking lot on Spring Street, with proceeds benefiting hospice. Moeller Brew Barn will also host a St. Patrick’s themed fundraiser on March 20 at 4 p.m., with 15 percent of purchases going back to hospice.

They added Joint Township’s hospice team continues to look for volunteers, with opportunities ranging from office help to patient visits, companionship, reading, or simply spending time with someone who needs it.