Prince Frederick, MD – If the inaugural edition of “An Evening in the Vineyard” is any indication, Calvert Hospice may have created the county’s latest “must attend” fundraising event. “People who bought tickets last year are buying more tickets this year,” said Calvert Hospice Executive Director Jean Fleming. The second annual evening food, drink and fun at Running Hare Vineyard will take place Thursday evening, Sept. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The array of food for attendees to enjoy will be prepared and served by Elegance by Maryland Country Caterers. “It’s going to be an upscale summer picnic,” said Fleming, who added that by working with Running Hare Vineyard owner Mike Scarborough and Maryland Country Caterers “it’s much more of a pleasure throwing the event.”
Calvert Hospice Director of Development Claire Piason noted there are currently 16 event sponsors, including six new sponsors for the 2018 Evening in the Vineyard.
Another component credited with making the 2017 debut of Evening in the Vineyard a success is the Nightlife Band. The Washington, DC-area band boasts on its web site that they are a troupe of performers—singer/dancers, musicians, sound and lighting specialists—who bring “a fun factor to events.” The Nightlife Band’s playlist ranges from sounds from the 1940s, Top 40, soul and even hip hop. “They blew everybody out of the water last year,” said Piason, who noted the band has a solid fan base throughout the region.
Other fun things that will be happening at the 2018 Evening in the Vineyard include a silent auction, and, new this year, a photo booth. The auction has some highly coveted items up for bids including approximately 10 travel packages. Other treasures on the silent auction display tables include local artwork and jewelry.
The fundraiser will enable Calvert Hospice to continue its work in the community.
Fleming told TheBayNet.com that 89 percent of the money raised by the organization through events goes to programs while only 11 percent is dedicated to overhead.
Since 1974 the organization has been there to provide care and support for patients and their families. In 2017 nearly 400 patients received hospice services in Calvert, including 65 who were residents of the Burnett Calvert Hospice House. The Hospice House, which opened in 2010, costs $500,000 annually to operate and the agency’s officials do expect a shortfall this year. Fleming explained that a significant number of the house’s residents cannot afford to pay for room and board. “We don’t turn anybody away,” said Piason. “They [residents] have dignity and respect at the end of their lives,” Fleming added. All proceeds from An Evening in the Vineyard will benefit the Burnett Calvert Hospice House.
Over 900 individuals received aid through the organization’s bereavement programs. Fleming said the bereavement program has been expanded into the local school system with such programs as grief counseling. The bereavement services are provided to the community at no cost.
Currently, Calvert Hospice has a staff of nearly 60 plus over 80 volunteers. This past March the agency received a Governor’s Citation from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives for its service to the community. Fleming indicated the community continues to show its appreciation to Calvert Hospice through its presence at events like Evening in the Vineyard. Plus, those in attendance who perhaps didn’t know about hospice develops and understanding of the agency’s mission. “There’s a community of caring that’s created there,” said Fleming.
Tickets for An Evening in the Vineyard are $125 per person in advance. Tickets are on sale online at calverthospice.org. Tickets will be sold at the door for $135 per person.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Piason at 410-535-0892 or email her at cpiason@calverthospice.org. There is a VIP event for sponsors prior to the start of the Evening at the Vineyard.
Prior to the event there will be a pre-event happy hour at Heritage 485 Restaurant on Main Street in Prince Frederick. The pre-event is Thursday, Aug. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will preview the food and silent auction items.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com