May 26, 2005

Hospice of the Valley’s Western gala raises funds for end-of-life care

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Hundreds donned boots and dusted off cowboy hats to attend Hospice of the Valley’s (HOV) Night of a Thousand Stars’ 25th annual Western Gala last Friday.

For a second year, Sen. Elaine Alquist served as honorary chair as more than 350 guests prompted its new location at the historic Dolce Hayes Mansion. MC and auctioneer John McLeod of KRTY/KLIV, with the support of generous sponsors, underwriters, donors, and guests, raised more than $155, 000.

“Funds raised will go toward high-quality end-of-life care programs for adults and children facing life-limiting illness,” said HOV Executive Director Sally Adelus.

“A portion of the proceeds will also fund Transitions, a community-service program sponsored and provided by Hospice of the Valley at no charge to Santa Clara County residents,” added Community Relations Manager Jeanne Wun.

Highlights of the evening included a $10,000 check presentation to Adelus from HOV’s Service League Co-President and board member Sylvia Katzman, along with Treasurer Nancy Wendling followed by a zealous bidding war for a seven-day London trip for two, which ultimately went for $7,000.

Local cowboy crooner Kevin Granlund along with band mates Kevin Crossman and Marty Carpenter provided country music and dancing to close the evening on a celebration that honored the oldest nonprofit hospice care program in Santa Clara County.

For additional information on Hospice of the Valley and its services, visit http://www.hospicevalley.org/

Above, left: Sen. Elaine Alquist, center, greets HOV’s Service League Co-President and board member Sylvia Katzman and her husband, left, along with Treasurer Nancy Wendling, Master of Ceremonies John McLeod, and HOV Director of Development Beth Williams. Above right: Although at times the outcome seemed doubtful, the last live auction item—a seven-day vacation package in London, finally closed on an impressive bid of $7,000.

Above, left: Lynn and Steve Mirassou, left, provided Steven Kent wine for the evening’s dinner. They are shown here with HOV Executive Director Sally Adelus, Dr. Ted Cohen and his wife Beth. Above, right: Dan and Kim Brodnik study and admire the sterling silver Tiffany necklace and bracelet after outbidding several contenders. He called it an early birthday present.