We all know what to do to help patients and families in our care, but we might not know how to let them help us. In this issue of The Heart of Hospice, you will learn of the ways families can give back in support of our programs and services to help others in their time of need. Take a moment to learn more about these opportunities and to share them the next time you are asked by a family member, "What can we do to show our gratitude?"
Our volunteer program has many options for those with time to donate their time to Hospice of Palm Beach County. Volunteers can perform duties that fit both their schedules and desires, such as administrative work, visiting patients or assisting with our many special events, for example. We also have a program for Professional Volunteers in fields such as Accounting, Massage Therapy, Nursing and more, so that volunteers can use their professional skills to assist our patients and families.
Another way to give back is through our Resale Program. Hospice of Palm Beach County Resale Operation not only looks for volunteers to assist in the Shops, but also for donations of gently used clothing, housewares and accessories to be sold in the shops. This is a fun and rewarding option for those interested in supporting the diverse programs and services Hospice of Palm Beach County offers to patients and families. If a family has a vehicle, boat, RV or other form of transportation they are interested in donating, we can speak with them about our Hospice Cars program.
For those interested in making a monetary gift, there are a variety of options.
Memorial gifts are the most common gifts. Families may request that friends and colleagues make donations in memory of their loved one in lieu of flowers and often include this in the obituary.
If a friend or family wants to memorialize their loved one in a more visible way, we have naming opportunities.
• Bricks in the Helen L. Messic Meadow, located at the Gerstenberg Center, are a relatively affordable option. For a one time gift of $250 or $500 (depending on the size of the brick) the brick is etched with the loved one’s name and placed on the walkway.
• For a one time gift of $5,000, a bench is placed in the Helen L. Messic meadow with a plaque placed on the seat back of the bench.
• For a cumulative gifts totaling $5,000, a plaque can be placed by a tree in the Helen L. Messic Meadow.
• For cumulative gifts totaling $10,000 and $20,000, a plaque can be placed on the tree of life located in the atrium.
• For larger gifts that can be pledged over 5 years, there are naming opportunities for rooms, program areas and facilities throughout the Gerstenberg Center and our five (5) inpatient units.
• For a one time gift of $1,000, you can add your loved one’s name to the beautiful stained glass artwork located at each of our five inpatient units: Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Unit which also offers a beautiful recognition wall; Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Unit; Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Good Samaritan Medical Center; Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center; and the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Delray Medical Center.
Patients and families often say they wish they could do more. We can help friends of Hospice of Palm Beach County to do more through gift planning. Gift planning (planned gifts) combines financial planning, estate planning and tax planning techniques so that supporters can make significant gifts, often with dramatic tax and financial rewards.
Naming Hospice of Palm Beach County in your will is one of the easiest ways to support the organization and does not affect your current income. Hospice of Palm Beach County can be named as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan (IRA).
The Foundation staff is knowledgeable and available to help you with gift giving plans. We encourage individuals to seek an attorney or financial professional’s advice when planning their gift.
Lastly, a way for businesses to support Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation is the new Corporate Partnership Program. By becoming a member of this program, Corporate Partners receive many benefits, which may include:
• Recognition on Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation's donor wall
• Recognition as a member of the Corporate Partnership Program in News To Friends, our newsletter that is published three times a year
• Logo included on Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation’s website
• Recognition on all Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation e-blasts
• A framed Corporate Partnership Certificate
To learn more about the ways to support Hospice of Palm Beach County through gifts, please visit our Foundation offices or call 561.484.6881. To learn more about our volunteer program, please call 561.227.5138.
