Celebration of Compassion Raises Funds for Hosparus Health Inpatient Care Center
- News
Proceeds from third annual event support construction of the region’s first standalone hospice inpatient facility, set to break ground this fall.
(LOUISVILLE, KY) — Hosparus Health, one of the region’s leading nonprofit providers of hospice and palliative care, hosted its third annual Celebration of Compassion on Thursday, June 5, at The Olmsted. The inspiring evening honored outstanding caregivers, donors, and community partners, and raised over $115,000 in support of a bold vision: building the region’s first standalone hospice Inpatient Care Center, breaking ground this September.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown by our community,” said David W. Cook, President and CEO of Hosparus Health. “This new center will be a place of peace, dignity, and expert care. It’s a transformational step toward ensuring that patients and families never face the end of life alone.”
Longtime community advocate and WAVE 3 anchor Dawne Gee served as emcee, guiding guests through an evening of heartfelt storytelling, powerful recognition, and celebration of Compassion in Action. The program included touching video tributes and awards recognizing exceptional individuals and partners for their commitment to the Hosparus Health mission:
2025 Celebration of Compassion Honorees
- Community Partner Award: River Cities Corvette Club
- Joe Rotella Compassion Award: Laura Williams, Hosparus Health Team Nurse
- Legacy Award: WHAS Crusade for Children
- Philanthropist of the Year: Schmidt Family Foundation
- Service Award: Pam Lumley, Dancing with Our Southern Indiana Stars Former Event Co-Chair
- Sister Marilyn Spink Volunteer Award: June Hampe, Hosparus Health Volunteer
Milestone Gifts Power Inpatient Care Center Vision
The evening also recognized several transformational lead gifts that are helping Hosparus Health approach its $9.2 million groundbreaking goal for the new facility:
- Republic Bank and the Republic Bank Foundation – $500,000
- Paula and Frank Harshaw – $500,000
- Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana – $250,000
The new Inpatient Care Center is the final phase of the organization’s Places of Compassion campaign, a $13 million initiative that also funded the Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center and the William B. and Janet B. Schmidt PACE Center in Elizabethtown.
“This facility is being built for the moments when care at home is no longer possible, and families simply need to be together,” said Tawanda Owsley, Hosparus Health SVP and Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “Thanks to our incredible supporters, we’ve now raised more than $8.3 million—and we’re less than $1 million away from reaching our goal to break ground in September.”
The state-of-the-art center will feature 21 private rooms, serene outdoor spaces, a chapel and family kitchen, and adjacent access to grief counseling. Most importantly, it will provide expert, around-the-clock care in a calm, supportive environment—available to all families, regardless of ability to pay.
To learn more about the campaign or to make a gift, visit PlacesofCompassion.com.
Event Photos
Click here to download photos from the event. For interviews or more information, contact Dyan Duncan at 502.814.5439 or dduncan@hosparus.org.
Media Contact
Dyan Duncan
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications