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The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice Foundation held its 34^th annual Golf-A-Thon fundraiser on Monday, May 6, 2024, and it was a huge success, raising over $526,000! The event was held at Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach and was hosted by golf pro, Troy Pare, who is the club’s Director of Golf and Membership Sales. The benefit was played on the Harbor Course, a certified Audubon Cooperative International Sanctuary, designed by iconic American golf course designer, Pete Dye.

The day commenced at 7 a.m. when Troy and 12 other local golf pros teed off and played several rounds of golf, not stopping until 4:30 p.m. Donors supported the participation of their golf pro in the event with all donations supporting the VNA’s Charitable Care Program, which provides compassionate hospice and home health care along with access to the VNA Hospice House for residents in our community who cannot afford their care. The importance of our mission cannot be overstated, and the VNA & Hospice Foundation could not support this invaluable program without our incredibly generous donors, for whom we are incredibly grateful.

Our marathon day of golf concluded with a Shoot-out contest. Golf pro Anthony Ranieri from Pointe West Country Club won, coming in at 1 foot 7 inches. This was followed by an awards ceremony and cocktail reception inside the clubhouse where the VNA & Hospice Foundation Director of Development, Michelle Deschane, thanked everyone profusely. “The VNA & Hospice Foundation sincerely appreciates the efforts of our volunteers and the support of our donors and community partners. Because of you, the VNA can continue its mission of providing hospice and home health care to the residents of our community who are uninsured or underinsured but who desperately need our care,” said Michelle.

The Foundation’s Board Chair, Carol M. Kanarek, also spoke. “It’s great to hear the stories of what people say about the VNA and why they participate. It makes it all worthwhile. I thank each and every one of you,” she said passionately.

A special thanks was also given to Eva and Bill Gurley, Grand Sponsors of Golf-A-Thon; Ned and Emily Sherwood, Elite Sponsors; and Michael J. Pierce, Event Sponsor.

In addition, appreciation was given to co-chairs Carol Ceplenski, Gail Parsons, and Catherine Reichert, who were thrilled with how the day turned. “It’s great we all raised so much money for the VNA. That’s where our hearts are,” said Carol Ceplenski. Catherine Reichert concurred. “The day’s been excellent, and the volunteers have been fabulous,” she said.

We would once again like to express our gratitude to the 14 participating golf pros: Matthew Challenor from Windsor Club; David Champagne from Orchid Island Golf Club; Drew DiSesa from Riomar Country Club; Randy Hedgecock from Vero Beach Country Club; Steve Hudson from John’s Island Club; Ian Killen from Indian River Club; Don Meadows from Quail Valley Golf Club; Frank Mentzer from Oak Harbor Golf Club; Bela Nagy from Sandridge Golf Club; Troy Pare from Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club; Thomas Brinson from The Moorings Yacht and Country Club; Eddie Suchora from Bent Pine Golf Club; Jason Berchtold also from Bent Pine; and Anthony Ranieri from Pointe West Country Club.

Thank you, gentlemen!

It is not too late to make your donation to the Golf-A-Thon and support your golf pro. For more information, visit vnatc.org/golf-a-thon/  – and make a difference in your community.

A big round of applause for Eva and Bill Gurley who have been significant supporters of the VNA & Hospice Foundation for many years. Eva is currently on the VNA & Hospice Foundation Board of Directors and the VNA Hospice of Indian River County Board of Directors. This year, she and Bill are delighted to take on the role of Grand Sponsor for the 34th Annual Golf-A-Thon, the major fundraiser for the VNA & Hospice Foundation. They appreciate the work of the chairs, staff, volunteers and the time and talent of the golf pros for the success of the event. All funds raised ensure that VNA’s work in the community continues in pursuit of high-quality home health and hospice care.

Many Indian River County families who require essential health care services do not have the financial resources to pay for them. But thanks to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, the VNA can care for these people, whether they need home health services, like post-surgical care, or end-of-life care through hospice. The VNA provides hospice wherever a patient calls home, and for patients who can no longer manage their symptoms at home, the VNA offers Hospice House, a beautiful facility with 12 private rooms where patients receive care 24/7.

The VNA is the only local non-profit organization providing compassionate home health and hospice care to our most fragile population, and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of the community. If you’d like to help our mission, please consider supporting the VNA & Hospice Foundation’s 34th Annual Golf-A-Thon. Your contribution will ensure the VNA can continue to provide home health and hospice services to our friends and neighbors who lack financial resources to obtain the care they desperately need and deserve. You can donate securely online at www.vnatc.com/golf-a-thon.