Celebration of Compassion Raises Over $100,000 for Hosparus Health Hospice Care Center
- News
Proceeds from fourth annual event support construction of the region’s first standalone hospice inpatient facility, set to open next year
(LOUISVILLE, KY) — Hosparus Health, one of the region’s leading nonprofit providers of hospice and palliative care, hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Compassion on Friday, June 5, at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The inspiring evening, presented by Republic Bank Foundation, honored outstanding caregivers, donors, and community partners, and raised over $100,000 in support of a bold vision: building the region’s first standalone Hospice Care Center – a facility now under construction after breaking ground last fall.
“Last night, we came together in gratitude for the generosity and belief that continue to move Hosparus Health’s mission forward,” said Becky Tooker, President of Hosparus Health. “Because of this community, the vision for the Hospice Care Center has progressed from promise to reality—construction is underway, and we look ahead to opening in 2027.”
The program included awards recognizing exceptional individuals and partners for their commitment to the Hosparus Health mission:
2026 Celebration of Compassion Honorees
- Dr. Joe Rotella Compassionate Caregiver Award: Christina Mullins, Certified Hospice & Palliative Nursing Assistant, Hosparus Health
- Legacy Award: John & Sally Humphreys
- Philanthropist of the Year: Republic Bank Foundation
The new Hospice 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.
Tawanda Owsley, Hosparus Health SVP and Chief Development & Marketing Officer, emphasized the impact of community support: “Thanks to our incredible supporters, we’ve now raised more than $10 million—and we’re about $2 million away from reaching our goal to fully fund the new facility. The dream that once seemed bold is now within reach. Every gift brings us closer to ensuring this state-of-the-art hospice center becomes a reality for families who need it most.”
The Hosparus Health Hospice Care Center is purpose-built to provide around-the-clock hospice care for patients whose symptoms have become too complex to manage at home. As construction continues, this long-envisioned space is taking shape with a focus on comfort, dignity, and compassionate support.
Designed to feel more welcoming than clinical, the center will feature 21 private patient rooms with ensuite bathrooms, along with family-friendly spaces, an eat-in kitchen, peaceful gardens, outdoor areas, and a chapel and meditation room. Located on the same campus as the Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center, the facility will offer patients and families a more seamless, supportive experience throughout every stage of care, ensuring that support is 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:
Celebration of Compassion event photos are available to view and download [here].
CONTACT:
Dyan Duncan
Executive Director of Marketing
502.814.5439
dduncan@hosparus.org
About Hosparus Health
Established in 1978, Hosparus Health is one of the nation’s largest and most respected community-based, nonprofit care providers for those facing serious illnesses. Recently ranked fourth nationally for Overall Quality, the mission-driven organization has championed equitable healthcare access by delivering specialized programs and holistic services across 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. Through the support of more than 600 employees and over 500 volunteers, Hosparus Health’s person-centered approach is focused on improving the quality of life for over 14,000 patients and families annually. Its interdisciplinary teams provide support for serious illnesses across the continuum, including medical care, symptom and medication management, grief counseling, hospice care, and palliative medicine. For more information about Hosparus Health, please call 800-264-0521 or visit www.HosparusHealth.org.