Heavenly change in Southern Indiana

SHABRELLE POLLOCK
newsroom@newsandtribune.com

May 14, 2009 01:40 pm

— Hosparus — Hospice of Southern Indiana held its annual Pennies from Heaven Round Up Reception on Wednesday afternoon at its New Albany site along East Market Street. Though the event only happens once a year, the drive is a year-round effort.
“This is the ‘every man’s fundraiser,’” said Vonya Gresham, director of volunteers for the organization. Hosparus holds several fundraising events throughout the year, some requiring larger donations that people are unable to afford. “This event gives everyone the opportunity to give back,” she said.
Hosparus is an organization that provides medical support and counseling for terminally ill patients and their families regardless of their financial situation. The money raised by the Southern Indiana chapter goes directly to members of the community who are in need.
Timothy Eberle, a volunteer, has worked with Hosparus in some capacity for eight years. He said Pennies from Heaven is an event where the whole community gets involved.
“[Each year], this event earns us about a $10,000 profit,” Eberle said.
He explained that Hosparus benefits from the donations given by the community. Area organizations, such as churches and schools, hold fundraisers where the proceeds are donated to the Southern Indiana Hosparus.
“Hosparus serves everyone,” volunteer Phyllis Wolfe said. “[But] if it wasn’t for the volunteers, we couldn’t pull this all off.”
Volunteers are an essential part of Hosparus efforts, including events such as Pennies from Heaven. They interact with the patients and families being assisted through Hosparus and are responsible for much of the event coordination.
“I’m very impressed with our volunteers,” Jamie Longacre said.
She said that they worked hard and are a cohesive group.
Longacre works as manager of development and community relations for Hosparus in Southern Indiana. She, like many others who work there, finds her job rewarding, not just because she is giving back, but also because of the personal ties. Longacre’s grandparents were patients of the organization.
“I feel honored to work for a place with such a strong mission,” Longacre said.
“My mother was a patient,” volunteer Rosie Rosenberger said. “When I worked in the medical field, I knew that when I retired, I wanted to work [with Hosparus].”
Volunteers — especially those that had personal experience with Hosparus — said that they felt a sense of obligation to donate and help out.
“All different people donate to Pennies from Heaven,” Gresham said.
She explained that people who have been involved with Hosparus before typically keep coming back.
Those that want to give to Pennies from Heaven don’t have to come to headquarters. There are several places within town set up for donations as well.
Events such as Pennies from Heaven allow the organization to overcome financial strains and do as much as it can.
“Hosparus benefits the families of this area,” Gresham said. “We treat the whole person and also the whole family.”

SO YOU KNOW
• Hosparus is the region’s leading hospice care provider, serving more than 4,000 patients annually in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. It is a fully accredited, nonprofit organization that provides care, comfort and counseling for people who face life-limiting illnesses.
— Hosparus

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