Blue Ridge Hospice gives back to volunteers, celebrates 35 years of service

It was a night of fun and thanksgiving for scores of the almost 1,000 volunteers who give their time, effort, and money toward the care of terminal patients at Blue Ridge Hospice, which this year celebrated its 35th anniversary and bid farewell to its executive director of 17 years, Ernie Carnevale.  The event was held at the Millwood Station Banquet Hall in Winchester, which donated the use of the space.

The volunteers came together April 18 at a Winchester community hall, as they do each year, to be saluted for their giving, and to eat, drink and be merry.

Manager of Volunteer Services Kelly Miller was honored for her own service as she saluted, with certificates and handsome plaques of appreciation, the volunteers, recognizing their “extraordinary acts of giving.”

Ernie Carnevale responds to applause following his announcement of his retirement. Courtesy Photos

The top Founders Award, one of two given this year, was presented to Ernest J. Carnevale Jr. who wrapped up 17-years as executive director of Blue Ridge Hospice.  A second Founders Award went to the firm of HP Hood, represented by Bill White and Tina Laughlin.  For Carnevale, it was the culmination of “a great dream.”  The Hood company contributed up to $131,000 to the hospice last year, it was announced.

Roars of applause greeted other major award winners, among them Susan Grubbs, the Patient and Family Support Volunteer of the Year; Claudia Luce, Administrative Volunteer of the Year; Marilyn Heinemann, Thrift Shop Volunteer of the Year; and Angela Beltran, Special Achievement Award, who received and returned tearful hugs of thanks from mentor Kelly Miller.

Volunteers of the Year, left to right: Susan Grubbs, Patient and Family Support; Marilyn Heinemann, Thrift Shops; Angela Beltran, Special Achievement Award.

And while there was no award for Willow, the 7-year-old dog, who with owner Mary Ellen Duffy of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has been visiting and comforting hospice patients for the past five years; there were plenty of pats and (we guess) some under-the-dinner table treats from the volunteers around him!

Mary Ellen Duffy of Bunker Hill, WV, and companion Willow. The pair has visited hospice patients for the past five years.

The motif for the party and dinner was “Hollywood Stars” and Willow was dressed as Fred Astaire and Duffy as actress Grace Kelly.  Prizes were given for the best costumes and many donated items went to lucky winners as the event wound down.

Among those attending was hospice founder Helen Zebarth, who recalled 35 years ago when the Winchester facility opened with a handful of volunteers “and now we have up to a thousand of you,” she said.  She then recited some of the numbers put up by volunteers last year – 34,601 hours in time donated; 101,560 miles driven, both creating a cost savings of $861,570.  The money saved goes toward the care of hospice patients.

Commenting from the podium, emcee Kelly Miller smiled down on the several hundred diners: “You are all stars,” she exclaimed, to loud and sustained applause.