The Heart of Hastings Hospice hosted its Annual Signature Event, at the Stirling Curling Club, this past week. It was the ‘ladies’ night’ that supporters from all over the Hastings and Quinte area attended. Handbags for Hospice- Presented by Beautiful Things for Charity was a huge success with over 260 guests in attendance. We were so excited to be back to our regular time slot of May, aligning with Mother’s Day once again,” said Pauline Pietschmann, Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator at The Heart of Hastings Hospice. “It has been three years of virtual and shuffling the date so having the opportunity to come together for an amazing cause while celebrating mothers was wonderful. It was an incredible night.”

Community support and the buzz around this event was high, and the funds raised were crucial to ensuring much-needed free programs and services continue. Some of the incredible sponsors at the event included Platinum Sponsor Chrome Supply Warehouse, Gold Sponsors, Trish Clarke, Royal LePage, Caressant Care, and IKO Industries.

Highlights of the evening included a live auction, offering high-end getaways, purses and the always-entertaining Layne The Auctionista. With that signature high-energy, entertainment that is irresistible and contagious. Other favourites included a silent auction of gorgeous handbags, high-end home essentials and experience packages, premium prizes donated by the local business community, a Goddess Gift draw, and the new Golden Ticket opportunity. Guests enjoyed charcuterie boards, wine, candy and more. “It was so important to bring all the signature items back while adding some new excitement as well this year,” added Pietschmann. The Fund A Need portion of the evening raised over $30,000, surpassing the initial goal with funds going towards expanding the Grief & Bereavement Program to help meet the increased demand from our communities. Total funds raised are still being tabulated, however it is expected the goal of $95,000 will be surpassed thanks to the incredible sponsors and generosity of the attendees. The Heart of Hastings Hospice is a community-based volunteer service that offers in-home palliative care to those in the Central Hastings area, as well as operating a 24hr, newly expanded 3 bed residential hospice home for those who are facing their end of life journey. All services are provided free of charge. Their work is dedicated to embracing the emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological needs of each and every individual they assist, as well as their families. The support continues, after death, through grief and bereavement services. “We are very grateful to the generous, community-minded supporters and attendees, who wholeheartedly believe in the importance of the work of Hospice.,“adds Pauline