Hospice Gala honors Orange’s Dr. Merrick

Contributed
Published: October 30, 2008

Hospice of the Rapidan’s 25th Anniversary Gala, “A Passion for Caring,“ raised over $80,000
More than 175 friends and supporters of Hospice of the Rapidan turned out in style at The Inn at Kelly’s Ford Oct. 11 to celebrate Hospice of the Rapidan’s 25th anniversary providing compassionate and dignified end-of-life care in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties. 
The gala dinner dance honored five community members who have made a difference in their communities, one from each county Hospice of the Rapidan serves:  John “Butch” Davies from Culpeper, Karen Henderson from Fauquier, Delegate Ed Scott from Madison, Dr. Randolph Merrick from Orange and Clarissa Leggett from Rappahannock.
Proceeds from the event, which exceeded $80,000, help support Hospice of the Rapidan’s longstanding commitment to provide outstanding end-of-life care for every resident of these counties who needs it regardless of his or her ability to pay, and supports its comprehensive grief care and educational programs, for which it receives no direct payment.
Over 20 area businesses and community leaders sponsored the event, led by Dominion Resources and Merrick Family Medicine and Laser Therapy. 
Fifty other area businesses donated products or services which were offered for auction to gala guests.  The auction raised over $15,000.
Executive Director Kathy Clements commented, “The generosity and support of the evening’s sponsors and guests was inspirational, especially in light of current economic difficulties.  It says a lot about the spirit of the community we live in.  The event was the largest fundraiser in our 25 year history and will go a long way in helping us to continue to provide the care we do.“ 
Neil Mairs of Culpeper, President of the Board of Directors, thanked the sponsors and guests for their support and also urged them to continue to be large hearted as Hospice of the Rapidan embarks on ambitious plans for its next 25 years. 
Hospice of the Rapidan is the largest hospice serving all of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties. 
It provides compassionate and dignified end-of-life care to terminally ill patients and their families, including high quality medical care and emotional, social, spiritual and grief support for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, regardless of ability to pay. 
To learn more about hospice care, grief support, or becoming a volunteer call Hospice of the Rapidan at 540-825-4840 or visit online at http://www.hotr.org.