Hospice of Michigan Celebrates Honorees during Chandeliers in Flight on Sept. 7

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Aug. 1, 2017) Hospice of Michigan will honor individuals and organizations during Chandeliers in Flight from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Amway Hangar located at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 5410 44th St. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This fundraising event celebrates honorees for their passion and commitment to the nonprofit hospice organization, as well as supports the nonprofit’s mission to provide comfort and care to all those in need of its services, regardless of diagnosis, age or the ability to pay.

A Crystal Rose Award will be presented to the following:

  • Travis Earley, Brandon Finnie, Gary Grahs, Joe and Niki Infante, Ian Koffler, Jeff and Lisa Royce, and Kirby Shotwell will be honored as Outstanding Volunteers for their leadership of the Barley, BBQ & Beats Steering Committee. The group coordinated the first-of-its-kind community celebration tapping into West Michigan’s love of barbecue and craft cocktails. In 2016, the inaugural fundraiser raised more than $221,000 to help support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access program. The following year, the event increased attendance and raised more than $259,000 to provide quality end-of-life care to those who need it.
  • Dave Dickens and Dr. John Maurer will be recognized as Outstanding Individuals for their longtime work as Hospice of Michigan physicians. Dr. Maurer began working with Hospice of Michigan in 1984 as one of the first volunteer physicians supporting the nonprofit organization. His dedication continues through his work on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Dickens served as the nonprofit’s pediatric medical director the Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Program for Children for more than 12 years. He has also served on the Hospice of Michigan Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Warner Norcross & Judd LLP will receive Outstanding Corporate Partner honors for its longtime support of Hospice of Michigan. Over the years, the law firm has generously donated experiences to pediatric hospice patients and their families, allowing them to create precious memories while connecting with other families facing similar challenges.

The Crystal Rose symbolizes the nonprofit’s roots as a volunteer-based organization and the early practice of placing a single, long-stemmed red rose on the bed of a patient after death in tribute to that person’s life.

“For more than 20 years, Hospice of Michigan has celebrated and honored its supporters through the Celebration of Life and Love Crystal Rose Gala. Chandeliers in Flight is a fun, new twist on this time honored event and we’re thankful to have such amazing individuals who make a real difference in our organization,” said Robert Cahill, Hospice of Michigan president and CEO. “Because of their extraordinary dedication and support, Hospice of Michigan is able to provide quality hospice and palliative care to all those who need it.”

The evening will feature a strolling dinner, fine wine and cocktails, featuring a “Take Flight” signature drink. Guests can also capture photos with a plane and helicopter as the backdrop. Individual tickets are available for $100 which includes valet parking. Sponsorship opportunities are also available beginning at $1,000.

Chandeliers in Flight is generously sponsored by Amway, Bluewater Productions, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen Balk Steel Treating, Signworks of Michigan, and Wolverine World Wide.

For more information about the evening or to become an event sponsor, please contact Alexandra Wilson at 616.356.5288 or awilson@www.hom.org. To purchase tickets, please visit www.hom.org/flight.

About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state.  The nonprofit cares for nearly 1,800 patients each day, raising more than $5 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured.  HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life, including community-based palliative care and pediatric care programs. HOM provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through its research, training and education arm, the Hospice of Michigan Institute. In January 2016, HOM joined forces with Arbor Hospice and Palliative Care, strengthening the mission of nonprofit hospice in Michigan to ensure patients and their caregivers receive the highest quality of care. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.