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50th Anniversary of Hospice of Santa Barbara Celebrates Past Heroes at Heroes of Hospice Legacy of Compassion Luncheon at Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort

Rosewood Miramar Resort Garden featured Exciting Silent Auction, Flamenco Music and Mimosas

Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB), a volunteer Hospice Organization, celebrated 50 years of compassionate care, and honored All Past Heroes of Hospice from years 2013-2023, at the 12th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon, held at the Rosewood Miramar Beachfront Resort on Sunday, September 15th from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

The Rosewood Miramar was buzzing with excitement as guests perused the silent auction tables lining the outdoor garden patio during the reception, where all enjoyed bidding on lovely art, gourmet and wine items while sipping mimosas. The elegant dining room was overflowing with guests celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Hospice of Santa Barbara, as Master of Ceremonies Jesse Brisendine introduced the video and speaker presentations sharing the special work done by this beloved community organization, which were well done and quite touching.

Heroes of Hospice luncheon has traditionally honored the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need within and near the Santa Barbara community. David Selberg, Chief Executive Officer (HSB) shared that “Hospice of Santa Barbara is deeply appreciative of the community’s support over the past 50 years and how that support continues to shine a light in the darkness for so many families.” “Heroes of Hospice has once again provided special focus on Celebrating Those We Love and remembering the legacy of loved ones who have passed away, as well as their continued impact on our lives,” said Selberg.

Guests were not only welcomed to raise their paddles for a variety of support levels but were provided with an opportunity to donate and support the wonderful work of HSB in the name of their loved ones, helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. Every donation form on the luncheon tables included a place to write in the names of your own loved ones or dear friends that you wished to honor with a pledge.

The luncheon was a part of HSB’s greater Legacy of Compassion Campaign, with a goal of raising $1,000,000 to meet the current demand for its services and to build a stronger foundation to address any future needs. Funds raised as part of the Legacy of Compassion Campaign will support core programs as well as newly emerging initiatives such as its Advance Care Planning Initiative, Bereavement Services for Youth in the juvenile justice system, a relaunched NODA (No One Dies Alone) program that provides compassionate bedside presence to those actively dying with no family or friends, and increased grief counseling for our local firefighters.

HSB is seeing an extraordinary surge in demand for its services, especially as the average age of Santa Barbara community members rises. According to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, the number of south Santa Barbara County aged 65 and over will more than double by 2040, which represents 40,000 more seniors. This will have a critical impact on HSB’s work, because as people age, they frequently face significant losses and serious illness.

While much focus is often placed on older adults, it is important to recognize that children are also profoundly affected by grief and loss, and approximately 80% of children experience the loss of at least one close relative or friend (2023 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model) during their childhood. Each year, HSB also provides grief counseling to dozens of students on local school campuses, with the need for this service constantly growing. The goal of the Legacy of Compassion Campaign is to raise enough funds to be able to meet the demand and provide critical support to families going through difficult times.

Watching this amazing line-up of Heroes of Hospice honorees creating a group photo was so sweet, and it’s meaningful to know their special efforts are recognized and greatly appreciated by HSB and so many community members. Many thanks to the generous event sponsors for HSB 2024 Heroes luncheon, It was truly delightful to share this charitable afternoon fun with other supporters like Don and Doedy Galloway!

My family, along with just about every family in our community, has at some time been touched and helped by the devoted professionals and volunteers at Hospice of Santa Barbara, and we all welcome the opportunity to give back. “It is a remarkable privilege to witness the difference HSB makes for those we serve on a daily basis,” said HSB CEO David Selberg. “It is only through your support and generosity that we accomplish all that we do and will in the future.”

I need to mention how smoothly this entire afternoon went, how delicious the luncheon was, how very kind the attendees and volunteers were, and what a memorable 50^th anniversary experience was had by all. I sincerely hope they made their goal and look forward to participating in their future annual events supporting the fine work they do for our community members in need.

Hospice of Santa Barbara provides professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services free of charge to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness. The Hospice of Santa Barbara also provides counseling in our offices and on seventeen local elementary, junior and high school campuses to children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsb.org/