Our community is home to many generous organizations and individuals that support area nonprofit organizations, like Hospice & Community Care. This is shown through volunteerism, donations of items and financial support. Hospice & Community Care is fortunate to have supporters who give back to the organization in so many ways as well as by hosting special community events and online fundraisers. Proceeds from these “third party” events, such as employee giving programs, golf outings, raffles and Facebook fundraisers, benefit Hospice & Community Care patients and families who are coping with a serious illness, facing end of life or loss.

No matter the size of an event, every dollar raised for Hospice & Community Care has an immediate impact. In the last three years, these community fundraisers generated more than $250,000 for Hospice & Community Care. That translates into thousands of days of hospice care for people who could not otherwise afford it. In 2021 more than $109,000 was raised, translating into 569 days of hospice care for those in need.

Mother Teresa said that, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Check out some of the ways that individuals and organizations are showing their love for Hospice & Community Care and how you can, too.

Individual Support – Todd and Melissa Auker
People helping people. That is how Todd and Melissa Auker describe the all-day fundraiser that they host annually for Hospice & Community Care. They even print it on t-shirts to raise additional money. Now in its 16th year, the event includes local bands, a chance auction and cash raffle. Invited guests bring covered dishes to share, as well. “The support that the Aukers receive is amazing,” shared Amy Lewis, Director of Philanthropy, Hospice & Community Care. “I have had the pleasure of attending the event and it is inspiring to see friends, families and local businesses coming together to help people who are coping with a life-limiting illness or loss. Many of the attendees have been touched personally by Hospice & Community Care.”

The Aukers have raised nearly $250,000 since they started their event in 2006 and brought in a record $42,000 last year! To raise those large sums, they make it a family affair with their children pitching in to set up, sell raffle tickets, collect donations, and help with clean-up. When asked why they do this for Hospice & Community Care, the Aukers said, “It’s just the right thing to do.”

Association Support – Lancaster Senior Men’s Golf Association (LSMGA)
“We and our families have been touched in some way by Hospice & Community Care,” shared Randy Shue, President, LSMGA, which has held a fundraising tournament to benefit Hospice & Community Care for over a decade. “Initially the event was open to the public, but as the league grew from 40 members to more than 140 it has become a league members’ only event,” commented Mike Riley, Treasurer/ Historian, LSMGA. Since 2011 the league has donated $89,400 to Hospice & Community Care. The funds are comprised of member donations and monies raised by the golf outing.

Organization Support – East Cocalico Lions Club
It was a brisk and windy November day, “which had a few fellow East Cocalico Lions Club members chasing money down the streets,” shared Lions Club member Bruce Carpenter. But even Mother Nature could not halt the East Cocalico Lions Club from holding their annual Toll Road Collection which benefits four local organizations, that includes Hospice & Community Care, on “Black” Friday. “Our Lions Club members asked a small toll or donation from all cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buggies that passed through the square in Reamstown,” shared Bruce. “Thanks to the generosity of the community and all of the drivers, we received coins, bills, and even checks totaling a record-breaking amount of more than $5,000.” One hundred percent of what was collected, along with a donation from the East Cocalico Lions Club, was divided and distributed evenly between four local nonprofit organizations. The East Cocalico Lions Club has been supporting Hospice & Community Care since 1998 through its Toll Road event. At that time, there were several Lions Club members or their family members who were being cared for by Hospice & Community Care. “We appreciated the compassionate care that they received from Hospice and felt it would be a great organization to support,” commented Bruce.

Facebook Fundraisers – Bob and Wendy Bender
In 2020, Wendy Bender and her family were cared for by Hospice & Community Care. “Hospice was so crucial in Wendy’s end-of-life care,” shared Bob Bender, Wendy’s husband. “Without Hospice it would have been impossible to manage her care.” Wendy received hospice care at home and at the Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center.

To honor Wendy and to give back to others, Bob created a Facebook Fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Hospice & Community Care patients and families. Bob set a goal of raising $1,017 by November 13, 2021 in honor of Wendy’s birthday. By August 2021, Bob had already met and exceeded his goal— raising $6,384.

“Wendy’s love for everyone made it possible,” shared Bob. “She was selfless. Even while on her cancer journey, she would put others first. Wendy made such an impact on the lives of everyone she met and the Facebook fundraiser was a way to pay it forward.” Friends, family, former classmates of Bob and Wendy, as well as customers at Bob’s small business donated in Wendy’s honor.

Thank you to the individuals and organizations mentioned above, and to all community fundraiser hosts, who have and continue to give to Hospice & Community Care. Collectively, they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people in the community who are coping with a life-limiting illness or loss.

If you or your business are interested in hosting an event or online fundraiser and have questions, please call the Development Office at (717) 295-3900. We would be honored to be your charity of choice for your next fundraising event.