Make A Difference

Oktoberfest Fundraiser a Huge Success!

The Friends of Hospice held their most successful Oktoberfest this year, raising over $80,000 to support hospice programs in our community. “We are so grateful for the generosity of our community for making this one of our best years”, said Marilyn Noto, co-chair of the fundraiser, “we are very pleased that there is so much support for compassionate end-of-life care.”

There was something for everybody at live and silent auctions including tropical vacations, weekend get-aways, gift certificates to the best restaurants, stores and beauty treatments in town, original artwork, a wide assortment of fine jewelry, and of course, fine wines.

Ann Carney Pomper, Executive Director of Hospice of Santa Cruz County, states “This is the Friends’ 26th Oktoberfest, which is a huge accomplishment in itself. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible group of fundraisers and ambassadors for end-of-life care. It’s amazing what a group of dedicated, hardworking individuals can do.”

Click here to watch a video about the event

Who are the Friends of Hospice?

The Friends of Hospice are a dedicated group of volunteers committed to presenting exciting community events. Formed in 1984 by a group of ten women, the Friends group is now over 100 members strong.

Their mission is to raise funds and awareness of Hospice community programs.The Grief Support Program, HUG program for children, Transitions and Community Education all benefit from the dedication and leadership of the Friends. In the last five years, the Friends of Hospice has raised more than half a million dollars to support Hospice of Santa Cruz County programs.

The Friends’ major fundraising events include:

Oktoberfest: Bavaria comes alive at this family-friendly event featuring authentic German-style food, music and live and silent auctions. There’s something for everybody at the auctions including vacations, weekend get-aways, fine wines and private winery tasting tours, original artwork and gift certificates to the best restaurants, stores and beauty treatments in town. The Friends plan the details small and large to make this event better every year. Next Oktoberfest is Sunday, October 3, 2010

Fairways for Kids Golf Classic: Held at the beautiful Seascape Golf Course in Aptos, this annual golf tournament raises funds for H.U.G. (Healthy Understanding of Grief), our children’s grief support program. A favorite among golfers, the fun-filled day starts with a box lunch and includes 18 holes of golf, contests, a buffet dinner and silent auction. It’s a great day for a great cause. Next Fairways for Kids is Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Become a Member of the Friends of Hospice

Friends of Hospice warmly welcome new members. The Friends meet the third Wednesday of each month. For the meeting location and membership information, call (831) 430-3000.

You can become a member of Friends in any of the following ways:
Active Members

• Attend the monthly Friends meetings.
• Play an active role in Friends fundraising activities and solicitations.
• Serve on one or more committees and participate in the planning of special events.
• Become an informal advocate and of Hospice of Santa Cruz.

Annual dues: $25.

Supportive Members

• Supportive members offer financial and moral support and volunteer to work on special

projects.

Annual dues: $50.

Sustaining Members

• Sustaining members are those who cannot accept an active or supportive commitment but do wish to offer financial support.

Annual dues: $75.