More than 650 community members gathered together on Saturday, May 18 at the home of Dr. Wesley and Mrs. Heidi Kinzie in Modesto for the 40 Year Anniversary Celebration at the 18th Annual Community Hospice Foundation Gala. Guests enjoyed live and silent auctions, a raffle, appetizers and dinner by Greens Events.

Several community members were recognized for their dedicated service and support in advancing the organization’s mission. The Julio R. and Aileen Gallo Leadership Award was awarded to James “J.D.” Grothe for his passionate commitment and enthusiastic leadership. Françoise DeMartini was awarded the John and June Rogers Philanthropic Award. DeMartini embodies the heart of hospice by giving and raising funds to assure that the mission of Community Hospice continues, regardless of the patient’s or family’s ability to pay. The Harold A. Peterson, III Heart of Hospice Award was presented to Roni and James Edgmon for their long-standing commitment to the mission of Community Hospice.

This year’s Cash for the Cause was to raise needed funds to support Camp Erin of the Central Valley. Thanks to the generous donations, Cash for the Cause raised over $48,000 to support many children in the community who have experienced a loss.

Community Hospice Foundation Executive Director, Melissa Van Diepen said, “We are thrilled with the outcome of our Gala. It was a very wet but beautiful evening of celebration honoring our heritage, former Board and staff members and all those who have contributed to the mission of Community Hospice. We are humbled and grateful for the continued dedication and generosity of our community members that allow us the privilege of providing support when needed.”

The 40 Year Anniversary Celebration Gala was a great success raising more than $365,000 to support the patients, families and programs of Community Hospice.

Community Hospice Foundation is a community-based nonprofit, raising awareness and funds to support the patients and families of Community Hospice.

Community Hospice is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors offering compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and families, regardless of ability to pay. Care extends to over 2,000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, call 209-578-6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.