WORTHINGTON - In 2006, the first annual Hospice Cottage Fundraiser banquet was hosted at American Reformed Church. It was a bit smaller in scale than it is today, as event co-chairperson Susanne Murphy recalls.
“We started in a church on a weekday night, and Pastor Irwin (Van Leeuwen) was phenomenal,” Murphy remembered. “We’ve just tried to change things up a bit each year to see what works. We’ve been very blessed, as we’re always taking donations, but our capacity at the event center has always been filled.”
As has been the case since 2014, the Hospice Cottage Fundraiser is once again set to take place at the Worthington Event Center, which allows for a capacity of about 475 people. The event begins with a 5 p.m. social and 6:30 p.m. dinner April 7. Entertainment by area favorites Bob & the Beachcombers starts at 7:30 p.m.
As the social gets underway, so does a silent auction that will feature an impressive 110 items. That’s just one of two auctions set for the evening, as Steve and Beth Prins will later conduct a live auction that includes - among other items - a party ride in a firetruck and police car for up to 12 kids, a limousine ride, a lakeside dinner and sunset pontoon cruise on Lake Okabena, and a wine tasting party.
“A lot of these things you just can’t go and buy somewhere,” Murphy said. ‘They’re experiences.”
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Dinner, meanwhile, features a menu of smoked pork loin, oven roasted red potatoes, green beans with onion and bacon, roll with butter and assorted cheesecakes.
“We’re very blessed to have the Rock-Nobles Cattlemen and JBS every other year providing meat,” Murphy said.
Following opening remarks by Hospice Cottage Inc. President Alan Oberloh, Worthington’s Robyn Moser will offer a testimonial and speak of her first-hand experience with hospice. Her husband, Ken - remembered by many for the multiple positive impacts he made in Worthington - died Feb. 27, 2017 at Sunset Hospice Cottage.
For organizers of the fundraiser, and for Hospice Cottage Inc., an important credo regarding hospice is that “the end of life deserves as much beauty, care and respect as the beginning.” The organization, reports its literature, “is committed is to providing a peaceful, home-like setting where quality and compassionate care is provided during the remaining days of one’s journey.” The cottage was completed in the summer of 2003.
Current members of the board of directors include Oberloh, Murphy (vice president), Linda Albersman (secretary), Don Groninga (treasurer), Kathy Hayenga (co-treasurer), Nancy Galland, Katie Hansen, Dan Krueger, Sharon Lynn, Joan Mahlberg, Robyn Moser, Gary Prins and Deb Scheidt, who co-chairs the banquet with Murphy.
Banquet attendees will be primarily seated at sponsored tables. Tables of eight and 10 were sold for $400 and $500, respectively, Event sponsors could also get tables of eight or 10 for $1,000 and $1,250. Event sponsors include Bedford Industries, First State Bank Southwest, Angie and James Mixner, Sanford Health-Sioux Falls, United Prairie Banks - Worthington and Wilmont, and Worthington Federal Savings Bank.
The event is emceed by Chad Cummings and Matt Widboom of Radio Works. As for the entertainment, Bob & The Beachcombers will play classic rock from the ’50s, surfing hits of the ’60s, and popular favorites of the ’70s and ’80s. The band has continued to perform across the Midwest for more than 30 years.
“The committee deserves a round of applause for all they’ve done,” said Murphy, commending all of the event’s organizers. “We’re thankful for all the support we’ve received from so many, and we’re looking forward to another wonderful banquet.”
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