In this season of giving and thanksgiving, Lake County residents helped to make “Dine Out for Hospice” a successful fundraiser and “friend-raiser,” according to Corrigan Gommenginger, ACHE, chief executive officer of Hospice Services of Lake County.
“It is anticipated the total funds raised will be about $8,500,” said Gommenginger. The amount reflects sponsorships, a percentage of sales from each of the seven participating restaurants, and donations from individual diners. “We are extremely grateful for the participation by the chefs and owners helping us to raise funds for Hospice Services.”
Participating eateries included the Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake, Giovanni’s Skyroom at Lampson Airport, Howard’s Grotto in Clearlake, Main Street Bar & Grill in Clearlake, Park Place and Renee’s Cafe, both in Lakeport, and the Saw Shop Bistro in Kelseyville.
Representatives from Hospice Services of Lake County were present at each of the restaurants to greet and thank community members for their support. The representatives included staff and agency board members who reported “a warm and friendly atmosphere” at each of the dining facilities.
Many groups of diners, including friends or acquaintances that happened to encounter each other, engaged in conversations that included past or current experiences with hospice, Hospice representatives reported. Diners mentioned their desire to support Hospice by attending the event.
“I was so impressed with the generosity of Renee’s Cafe that I wanted to be there in person to show my gratitude and support,” said President Diane Pege, MD, MMM, FACP, director of Medical Affairs, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Lakeport. “Little did I expect the overwhelming turnout on what would usually be a slow night for the restaurant. All but two of the customers who came to dine that night came to support Hospice. Most expressed their pleasure at being able to assist our agency in this way. I am honored to have such generous partners like the owners of Renee’s in our community.”
Vice President David Neft, Lake County’s “Piano Man,” not only attended the event at the Blue Wing restaurant but donated his time to play the piano for the supportive diners. He described the experience as a “warm fuzzy” event, “a very successful evening.”
“I very much look forward to this being an annual event helping fund the critical, wonderful work of Hospice Services of Lake County,” Neft added.
Funds will help the agency to provide quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to hundreds of Lake County residents, according to Gommenginger.
For more information, call the Hospice Services of Lake County office at (707) 263-6270 ext. 111 or visit the agency’s website, www.lakecountyhospice.org.
