More than 500 community members attended the annual Hope Blooms for Hospice luncheon to support the Spartanburg Regional Foundation's Hospice Special Needs Fund. The luncheon, held May 2, grossed $141,000, which will help Spartanburg Regional Hospice patients and their families.

The Hospice Special Needs fund provides direct financial assistance for qualifying Spartanburg Regional Hospice patients, special occasions for families to come together and build memories, enhanced bereavement services, and more.

“We are so grateful for everyone who supported the luncheon – sponsors, table hosts, volunteers, featured speakers, and those who purchased tickets. We could not have had such a successful event without their generosity and commitment to the mission of helping families in our community,” said Gina De La Cruz Turcotte, director of philanthropy for the Foundation and liaison to its Hospice Division.

Featured speaker Reid Bowyer recalled experiences of a close friend and two family members who received care in Spartanburg Regional Hospice. He praised the work of the hospice team, focusing on the theme of calm in the midst of a chaotic, frightening situation.

“The mission was clear: the best possible care for the patient and (support for) everyone involved for as long as it takes,” Bowyer said about his uncle's care.

He added that hospice caregivers “brought a calmness to the chaos” for his loved ones.

In a video presentation, Kaylee Warren talked about her family's experience with Spartanburg Regional Hospice when her father, Phil, who was a patient.

“Just the care and the love they showed – not just to my dad, but to every single one of us – it was incredible,” Warren said.

“They treated him like family,” said Warren's brother Zach.

Kimberely Brown, weekend anchor at WSPA 7 News, served as emcee for the luncheon. She is a member of Spartanburg Regional Foundation's Hospice Division board.

Bill Cummings, who serves as chair of the Hospice Division board, also joined hospice director Kim Ross on stage to thank those in attendance.

Ross gave a glimpse of the ways the Hospice Special Needs Fund makes a difference for families going through a difficult time.

“Some of the situations that the hospice team encounters are absolutely desperate. They're raw, and they're heartbreaking,” Ross said. “I cannot express to you what it means to have the resources that you provide to share with patients and families at the end of life. Your contributions are so important.”

Donate the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Special Needs Fund.