Hello Mai Yang,

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I want to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate a large part of the heart of our organization—our incredible volunteers! Whether you provide comfort to our patients, support families through bereavement, assist with administrative tasks, help with fundraising, serve on our board, or dedicate your time to our thrift store, your kindness and generosity make a profound difference. Your dedication brings hope, compassion, and support to those in need, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you.

We also want to extend a special thank-you to the many volunteers who are helping to organize our upcoming fundraiser, Rhythm & Vine, taking place on May 16th. This outdoor, casual event is sure to be a wonderful evening of music, community, and support for our mission. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating not only our volunteers but also the incredible work we accomplish together!

With gratitude,

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

In 1981, retired nurse Pat Chargin, an early Hospice of the Foothills board member, recognized the pressing need for additional funding to support hospice services in our community.

This heartfelt initiative led to the formation of Friends of Hospice. Since its inception, Friends of Hospice has raised over $2.9 million, significantly contributing to the development and expansion of hospice care.

The dedication and compassion of Friends of Hospice have not only provided essential financial support but have also fostered a community spirit centered on caring for those facing end-of-life journeys. Their legacy is a testament to the profound impact that a group of committed individuals can have on the well-being of an entire community.

Foothills Gift & Thrift volunteers are the lifeblood of our mission, embodying the spirit of community and generosity that defines our organization. Each year, over 100 dedicated individuals—including high school students, seniors, and participants from company-sponsored programs—come together to support our cause.

Their collective efforts contribute to net profits of over $400,000 annually, directly funding compassionate care services. Visit our website to learn how you can volunteer with this award-winning team.

One of the most important things a volunteer can offer a patient is time: time to sit with them, time to listen to their stories and share their lives, and time to offer caregivers a break from the difficult tasks of caring for a loved one, or sitting with a patient in a dying vigil, or leading a bereavement support group.

Over 100 patient volunteers contribute 17,726 hours valued at $602,000 each year; that is 5% of our total clinical team's hours each year. Learn more about being a direct patient volunteer by visiting our website.

Pet volunteers bring a special kind of comfort and joy to those we serve. These gentle, loving animals—accompanied by their dedicated human handlers—offer companionship, emotional support, and moments of happiness to patients and families navigating serious illness. Whether it's a tail wag, a soft nuzzle, or simply their calming presence, our pet volunteers remind us all of the healing power of unconditional love.

At Foothills Compassionate Care, our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees are integral to our mission, offering their time, expertise, and leadership as dedicated volunteers. Their unwavering commitment ensures the strategic guidance and governance necessary for us to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our community.

Through their selfless service, these individuals exemplify the spirit of volunteerism, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization and enhancing the well-being of those we serve. To see a full list of our Board leadership, visit our website.

Each year, Foothills Compassionate Care proudly presents the Dame Cicely Saunders Awards, which are named in honor of the founder of the modern hospice movement.

These prestigious awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding dedication, service, and compassion in caring for our community.

Claydon Geriatrics – Community Partner Award for their commitment to ensuring seamless, high-quality care for aging patients.

Tom Fitzsimmons – Community Member Award for his dedication to advocating for hospice and palliative care in our region.

Hal Arnstein, LVN & Vicki Graham, RN – Foothills Compassionate Care staff voted for Care Provider Awards for their unwavering compassion and expertise in patient-centered care.

These honorees embody the very heart of our mission—offering dignity, comfort, and support when it matters most. Please join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions to our community! 

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