Hosparus Health Celebrates Hospice Advocates at 14th Annual Candle Glow Gala

It was another amazing celebration of compassionate care at Hosparus Health 14^th annual Candle Glow Gala in November! Nearly 650 guests enjoyed cocktails, a delicious dual-entrée dinner, bidding on exciting silent auction items, learning about the impact of the community’s support, and dancing the night away to live music from popular local band, The Juice Box Heroes.

This year’s event raised more than $345,000 for hospice patients and families in Kentucky and Indiana. During the live appeal portion of the program alone, 79 people pledged $40,435 in support of our care! In an exciting twist, longtime supporter Bradley Ruch won the special prize of Pappy Van Winkle as the last bidder in the live appeal, then generously donated it back for auction. Thanks so much, Brad!

This year’s gala also honored a few very special individuals who have gone above and beyond to support our mission, and who live their lives with an “attitude of gratitude.”

Our incredibly deserving award winners were: Jack Medford and the Medford Family Foundation, who received the Sherrill Thirlwell Award for their many years of support for our Kourageous Kids program; Bill & Juanita Beach, who received the Sister Marilyn Spink Service Award for their devoted support of Hosparus Health for nearly 30 years; Senior Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physician Dr. Thomas McKain, who was presented with the Dr. Joe Rotella Compassion Award for his dedication to providing exemplary care to patients and families dealing with serious illness.

This year, two individuals were recognized for their outstanding commitment to furthering the mission of Hosparus Health. Helen Donaldson played an instrumental role in our growth as Hosparus Health’s CEO in the 1990s, and Mission and Stewardship Officer Bob Mueller has led many successful fundraising campaigns over the years. They each received Ovation Awards and inaugural Mueller Gratitude Awards. We would not be the thriving organization we are today without their contributions!

Since it began in 2006, the Candle Glow Gala has raised more than $2.2 million, helping hundreds of our patients and their families create more moments together, regardless of their ability to pay. This event would not be possible without our amazing volunteer event committee, including Gala Co-Chairs Denise Roby and Lori Tyra, and Glow Lounge Chairs Lauren Hendricks and Taylor Springelmeyer.

Huge thanks to our Presenting Sponsors McGriff Insurance Services and The Bufford Family Foundation, as well as Gold Sponsor Republic Bank & Trust Co., and Silver Sponsors Dahlem Realty, Dignity Memorial, Humana, JRA Architects, Allston Group, LBM Construction Co., ORI, Ratterman Funeral Home. Splash Analytics and Trilogy Health Services.

Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Hosparus Health! We hope to see you next year!