The need for hospice care within the greater Fond du Lac area continues despite COVID-19. In fact, it continues to rise annually as nearly 1,000 hospice patients were served in 2019 alone with 30 percent receiving financial assistance for the length of their care – about 65 days on average. What has changed is how the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation will be approaching its annual Charity Open, now in its 32nd year. The event generally features a raffle, golfing and dinner with silent and live auctions. However, the 2020 event will be offered virtually. As such, individuals and organizations will be able to show their support of hospice care by visiting agnesian.com/charityopen starting June 29 through the virtual event date on Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m. The August 17 virtual event will feature frequent radio updates followed by the evening celebration including donor stories, a moving performance by American Idol Finalist Ashley Hess, and a live reveal of the amount of funds raise. Viewers will also learn more about Hospice Hope’s rich history starting as one of few hospice programs in Wisconsin 40 years ago. “Each year, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation provides nearly $300,000 to support hospice patient care,” says Shawn Fisher, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation executive director. “While we would have liked to bring our traditional Charity Open event to the community, it’s more important to offer a safe and responsible way to raise funds so Agnesian HealthCare can continue providing hospice care when needed. “We know that hospice care support comes from a diversified group of individuals and organizations,” Fisher adds. “To achieve our $250,000 goal, we will rely on the caring and compassion of those who have been impacted by our incredible hospice services and team, or understand the significance that end-of-life care can bring to patients and their families.” The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation Charity Open is being led by Paul and Michelle Muche as senior chairpersons, with Drs. Punit and Nidhi Kumar joining as junior chairpersons. For more information on this year’s Charity Open, visit agnesian.com/charityopen or call the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation at (920) 926-4959.
