Gala nets $650K for patients, families

Capital (Annapolis, MD)

Hospice of the Chesapeake recently celebrated four decades of history with its 40th anniversary Gala, a stellar event that first and foremost celebrated the many volunteers, professionals, donors and families who have shared the path in the four-decade journey of one of the nation's first hospice organizations.

The gala held Mar. 16 at the Live! Hotel at Arundel Mills in Hanover, Maryland, brought in more than $650,000 that will support the organization's hospice, palliative and bereavement care programs and services provided to patients and families in Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.

Over 550 people enjoyed an evening that included dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and musical entertainment by Radio City. During the event "Celebrating 40 Years of Care," a video produced by VPC, Inc., featuring team members, volunteers, donors and patient family members, was debuted to poignantly share the mission of the organization.

The 2019 lead sponsors were Live! Casino & Hotel; The Wilburn Company; Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corporation; Reliable Contracting Company, Inc.; Anne Arundel Medical Center; The Jim & Linda Humphrey Foundation; Annapolis Dermatology Associates; John and Cathy Belcher; Gilligan Design Group; Legacy Financial; John & Terri Hussman; Moran Insurance; Richard & Mary Pfau & Family; Ken Stanley; Tech USA, Inc., Thomas B. Howell, Sr., Founder; Bill & Lydia Vincek; Whiteford | Taylor | Preston, LLP and Zachary's Jewelers.

Caption: Another part of Hospice of the Chesapeake's history is that there is always plenty of dancing at its galas, and this 40th anniversary celebration was no exception.

Steve Samaras of Zachary's Jewelers served as the evening's emcee, and deftly cajoled the crowd into lifting their bidding paddles, helping the organizers to make the fundraiser a $650,000 success.

Hospice of the Chesapeake founder Martha O'Herlihy poses with, from left, President of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Edo Banach, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Hospice of the Chesapeake's President and CEO Ben Marcantonio.