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A Significant Legacy Gift for Celia's House
Lily Herwald, Director of Development and Communications
Affectionately known as “Bob,” Robert Warren lived quietly in Medford. Though he wasn’t directly affiliated with Celia’s House, we were on his mind in his final years. He decided that twenty percent of his estate in the amount of $246,246 would go to Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice. We are so grateful for his generosity.
Bob's life and career path was that of a piano player. He lived a cliché we know from the movies – the handsome piano player playing popular standards at piano bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles in the 1950s and 1960s. After he retired, Bob and his wife, Mary, moved to the Rogue Valley in 1990. Bob survived her by a decade.
Long-time friend Peter Sage saw Bob nearly every day in Bob’s final years. They talked about philosophy, politics, and aging. Through these conversations, Bob decided that he wanted his financial resources to make a meaningful impact for others. His most significant gifts were for a need that he came to appreciate in his final two years: the need of people who neared death but lacked a comfortable and compassionate place for care. He wanted people to be able to make their own choices and have “death with dignity.” As his Successor Trustee, Peter learned of Celia’s House. Peter said that our organization was a perfect match for Bob’s interests. Bob agreed, and this incredible gift was planned.
Bob did not seek recognition but hoped this gift would inspire others to follow in his footsteps by designating legacy funds from their estates to support Celia's House or other causes that reflect their values. A will or living trust affirms and honors what one most cares about. You can specify a percentage or a specific dollar amount of your estate or a particular asset, such as real estate or stock, to benefit organizations of your choosing. To learn more about legacy giving to Celia’s House, please call Lily at 907-713-7814.
Photograph of Bob Warren
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We Could Not Have Done This Without You
Dwight Wilson, Executive Director
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Words cannot describe my feelings of gratitude and love for the support so many of you gave Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice and Celia’s House in 2023. Your generosity allows us to sustain our mission of caring for individuals in a safe and loving environment at the end of their lives and provide spiritual and grief support for their families.
Last year we raised over $914,000, an amount that includes a significant estate gift that Lily Herwald describes in her article above. In addition, The HUB reported record sales that directly benefit Celia’s House. Carolyn Johnson, one of the founding members of Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice, told me that from the organization’s big dreams but small beginnings, she never anticipated the level of our success. Your involvement has made all the difference, whether as a donor, volunteer, or supporter. Thank you on behalf of the Board, our staff, and the residents and families we serve.
The beginning of each year is a good time to review your estate plan and medical advance directives. I don’t know about you, but I have often let these documents go for years without reviewing them. When I do get around to it, I am amazed at how some of my thoughts and priorities have changed. These changes can be reflected by updating your documents. Best practices suggest you review all your important documents annually and with each major health event. By doing so, your current priorities will be in writing and will appropriately guide those who may have to make decisions when you can’t. If, for some reason, you have not put together a will or trust or completed your medical directive, it is not too late to start. We have partnered with FreeWill, a free online tool, making estate planning easier than ever: https://sofriendsofhospice.org/legacy-and-planned-giving/
Thank you again for your support and commitment to Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice. We look forward to a year of serving our mission and open-heartedly caring for our residents without regard to their culture or financial situation.
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Barbara Roastingear Oliver – A Cherished Friend
Barbara Oliver's passing on December 2, 2023, marked the end of her brief stay at Celia's House. In loving memory of Barbara, we reflect on her profound impact on the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice community. Barbara and her husband, Harry, were introduced to our organization by honorary board member Dan Decena and his spouse, Morgan Sammons. At a gathering they hosted, Barbara met Karen Sue Smith, a dedicated volunteer at Hospice Unique Boutique (The HUB). Their friendship grew from that day, and Barbara also came to volunteer for The HUB.
Sara Lee, the store manager at the time, became close to Barbara. One day, Sara delivered a treasure trove of beads, costume jewelry, and trinkets to Barbara, sparking the formation of a crafting group. Initially composed of acquaintances, this group quickly became the tight-knit South Mountain Crafters. They collaborated to craft items for sale at The HUB, cementing their bonds as friends.
Barbara and Harry are known for their remarkable generosity. They supported the initial capital campaign to establish Celia's House and have continued donations to sustain our operation. Harry shared his pride in Barbara's strong connection to the building and her joy in witnessing the success of our organization.
As we fondly remember Barbara Roastingear Oliver, we hold dear the memory of a friend, a creative spirit, and a philanthropist. Her legacy continues to inspire us all, and her presence will forever be cherished at Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice and within the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
https://www.stilwelldemocrat.com/community/obituary-barbara-roastingear-oliver-december-28-1942---december-2-2023/article_ce8db90a-a1b7-11ee-9dc1-57b983fcb7ed.html
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Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers and Welcome The HUB's New Volunteer Coordinator | |
To our HUB Volunteers: we think you're pretty awesome! We appreciate your support of The HUB– your time, donations, and purchases are the engine that powers our work. You are the key to our success. We look forward to this New Year with all of you. | |
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We would like to introduce our new Volunteer Coordinator, Chalayne Gwin.
Chalayne grew up in Grants Pass and lives with her husband in the Medford area. Previously, she worked in retail, and for the past year and a half, she has been the support person for a disabled individual during the week, and together they volunteer every Friday at The HUB.
Chalayne has a love for crafting and especially enjoys spending any time she can outdoors. She is excited to start this new year at The HUB to support Friends of Hospice and Celia's House!
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1618 Ashland Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 5:00pm;
Closed Sunday.
(541) 488-7805
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- Donation hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am - 4:00pm.
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"My mom was able to pick out a handmade quilt the day she arrived at Celia's House. I watched the staff patiently show her several beautiful options and let her chose one. In that moment I realized what a safe space she was in. It was a really hard time, but knowing she was surrounded by people who truly cared made me feel more comfortable." -A | | |
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We are here to help. Please give us
a call.
For questions regarding admission, please call
(650) 743-7997
For general information, please call (541) 500-8911
or email us at info@sofriendsofhospice.org
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Every month, the following individuals make the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice E-newsletter possible: Alexandria Castelo, Cheryl French, Dwight Wilson, Lily Herwald, Lara Knackstedt, Patrice Dean, Rebecca Reid, and Steve Roe. | | | | |
