Hospice rose event marks a decade of love

Every year for the last 10 years, Bonner Community Hospice has offered beautiful roses in exchange for a $20 donation to benefit its clients.

And every year for the last 10 years, Hospice employees and volunteers have asked friends, neighbors and family to help support the hospice program by purchasing a dozen or so of the lovely flowers.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the rose sale and the Hospice team would like to make the event extra special.

"We would really like to thank the community for supporting the Hospice Rose Event for the last 10 years," said Kathryn Cooke, Hospice volunteer coordinator.

"It means so much to our staff to have the support of the community behind them in the work they do. And, more importantly, it touches the hearts and lives of our patients and their families when we are able to provide support that would not otherwise be available. They know they are being sustained by a caring community."

The rose event is the major fundraiser for the Hospice program, which serves patients in both Bonner and Boundary counties.

Bonner Community Hospice, a service of Bonner General Hospital, focuses on patient/family-centered care, combining the highest level of medical care with the emotional and spiritual support needed when facing a life limiting illness.

"The fact is, Hospice is about love and celebrating each moment of our lives," Hospice Director Debra Kellerman said. "We hope you will once again join us in celebrating a decade of providing lasting moments of love by bringing home a dozen roses."

This fall, the air in Bonner and Boundary counties will be heavy with the scent of roses.

Place your order now through Nov. 2 by calling (208) 265-4402 in Sandpoint, 448-0163 in Priest River or 267-3315 in Bonners Ferry.

The roses will be available for pickup on Friday, Nov. 9, and can be picked up at Bonner General Hospital, the Priest River Library and at Boundary Trading Company in Bonners Ferry.