By Staff
To the editor:
On behalf of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, I would like to express our appreciation to all who joined us Saturday, Oct. 25, for the 12th annual Hospice Harvest Dinner Dance.
There are many special individuals and groups who make the event a success and this year we raised over $8,100 in needed funds for hospice care in Van Buren County.
Our deep appreciation goes to the Men's Auxiliary of VFW Post 6248 for the generous use of their hall and to the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 6248 for preparing the delicious meal.
Many thanks to David Braganini of St. Julian Winery for donating the evening's wine and to Hovenkamp Farms in Decatur for providing the salad.
The Dinner Dance and Decoration Committees created a wonderful backdrop to the evening.
Our thanks to John Baushke, Dixie Cole, Barb Drenth, Lori Jerue, Chris Kobalcik, Gordy and Opal Krum, Harry Layman, Tina Leary, Joe Miller, Dennis and Prudie Newell, Paulette Rybarski and Pat Yeider for their hard work.
We are grateful to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan Van Buren County Advisory Committee members: Evelyn Avery, Opal Krum, Joe Leary, Connie McIntyre, Jerri Tapper and Darlene Wilson for their time and dedication to this event and our mission.
The evening's entertainment began with Chicago Comedian Paul Frisbie. Frisbie amused the crowd with his witty jokes and Michigan Power theme song.
Musical entertainment was graciously donated by Al Mott, who played music from all eras for everyone to enjoy.
Myron Southworth of Decatur was the lucky winner of the beautiful quilt created and donated by the Tuesday Night Quilters for the quilt raffle.
Other individuals who helped to make the event special were state Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker, our Mistress of Ceremonies; Father Robert Creagan, who offered the evening's invocation; and Dave Moorman of the Decatur Republican who helps us publicize the event year after year.
The following businesses and individuals sponsored the event: American Legion Post 309, Harold and Karen Anderson, Coca-Cola North America, Decatur Family Dentistry, Decatur Pharmacy, Del's Well Drilling, D.L. Miller Funeral Home, First State Bank, Gobles Insurance Center, Hills Prescription Shop, Honee Bear Canning Division, Kiwanis Club of Paw Paw, Knights of Columbus 3798, Meyer Wood Products, Midway Electric Inc., Newell Insurance Agency, Paw Paw Wine Distributors, Ralph Moyle Inc., Scott Trucking Service Inc., Special Lite Inc. and Dr. and Mrs. David Wendling.
In addition, area businesses donated door prizes.
We are grateful to all of them.
The community comes together to make this event a success every year. We hope you will join us in 2009!