Greetings!


Hello Nevada County -


As we are entering the last part of summer, and look forward to the “ber” months ahead, I have to remind myself to relish the present and all the joys that summer contains. The last of the tomatoes, corn dogs at the Fair, swimming in the Yuba and countless other summer activities that can be squeezed in before the weather changes.


We live in such a remarkable community surrounded by remarkable things to do. Remaining in the present is such a valuable mindset to remember. Next time you walk outside, I encourage you to take a deep breath of the summer air and let yourself sink into the warmth of the moment. 


All that said, dreaming of the future of course has value too. Our “Before I Die” interactive installation has been moved to the Madelyn Helling Library this week. If you get a chance to stop by, find a good book, and set an intention for a bucket list item you wish to fulfill, we would love to see your thoughts and dreams jotted down on paper.


Here’s to summer, the coming of autumn and not counting the days, but making the days count. 


Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

 

August is National Make a Will Month

PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FAMILY & YOUR COMMUNITY

 

The most caring plan you'll ever make, a will or trust gives your loved ones peace of mind about your estate. If you choose to assign a legacy gift to Foothills Compassionate Care, you extend that peace of mind to future generations, by ensuring compassionate care is available when they need it.

Have you already included Foothills Compassionate Care in your plans? We'd love to know about it through a declaration of intent.

 

Meet Ronnie Hart

GREETING CARD ARTIST AND GENEROUS DONOR

 

Meet the artist behind some of the most whimsical cards you'll find at Foothills Gift & Thrift.


Local artist Ronnie Hart of Mongeeart has spent years using her creativity to give back to the community. Her playful illustrations, quirky monsters, and imaginative characters are more than just charming—they're a reflection of her generous heart.


When you purchase one of Ronnie's greeting cards at Foothills Gift & Thrift, you're not just sharing a smile with someone you care about. You're also helping support the compassionate hospice, palliative care, bereavement support, and caregiver services provided by Foothills Compassionate Care.


Art has the power to inspire, connect, and comfort. Thanks to artists like Ronnie, it can also make a lasting difference for neighbors in our community.


Thank you, Ronnie, for sharing your talent so generously and helping us care for others—one card at a time. 

 

Your gift will be MATCHED!

NO SHOW GALA 2026 | NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8

 

The best time to donate to the No Show Gala has arrived! Thanks to two generous donors, all contributions made from now through September 8 will be matched (up to $10,000). Full utilization of this advantage would allow us to hit our $30,000 goal!

 

Moonlight Magic Update

MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THE FUN!

 

SPONSOR

Support our mission as a sponsor! Levels start at $500 and include recognition on our website, in our auction handbook and more!


Levels $500-$10,000

ATTEND

Attend the event! Held November 6 at Miners Foundry, this magical night includes a live auction, raffle, signature beverages and catering by Antonio's.


$150/seat $1,200/table

NOMINATE

Nominate a staff member, volunteer, or community member for a Dame Cicely Saunders Award! Winners of this honor exemplify the hospice heart embodied by this founder of the modern hospice movement.

 

Gift & Thrift News

 

Autumn Donations Needed!


Cooler days are just around the corner, and we're getting ready!


If you've been meaning to clear out closets, garages, or storage bins, now is the perfect time to donate your gently used fall and winter clothing, holiday décor, blankets, kitchenware, and seasonal treasures.


Drop-off Hours:

Grass Valley: Mon–Sat, 10am–3pm

Penn Valley: Tues–Fri, 10am–3pm


Furniture Donation

Tue-Sat, 8am-5pm

Call 530.559.9910 to schedule a pickup

September is Coat Drive Month


September is Coat Drive Month at Foothills Gift & Thrift!

As cooler weather approaches, many in our community are in need of warm outerwear. This September, help us spread warmth by donating new or gently used coats and jackets.


Your generous donations will go directly to neighbors in need — free of charge. Any extras will be sold affordably in our stores to continue supporting our mission.


Thank you for caring for your community — one coat at a time.

 

Community Outreach Recap

 

Before I Die Installation at SNMH

July 28


We installed our Before I Die board at Sierra Nevada Memorial Health Hospital.

Town Hall with 
Kellie Bolle, MSN, RN, CHPN

July 29


Kellie Bolle (Clinical Care Manager) & Heidi Wingo (Executive Director) held space for a conversation about hospice fraud and how we’re advocating for “the good guys.”

Pricing & Pizza Party

July 30-31


We priced clothing, decor and electronics, getting them ready to place on the floor at Foothills Gift & Thrift to earn money toward our mission, and had a great time doing it!

Reiki Demonstration

August 6


Foothills Compassionate Care volunteer Tracey gave us a reiki demonstration, accompanied by Kathy on the singing bowls.

Ice Cream Social

August 11


We gathered employees and volunteers for coloring, games and ice cream with the works. It was a real treat!

KNCO Gazebo at the

Nevada County Fair

August 13


We joined KNCO at their gazebo for a couple on-air interviews about who we are, what we do, and what's next.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Community Insight


AUGUST 26 | 9-10am


Join us at 9am the 4th Wednesday of every month, as we chat with Tom Fitzsimmons about all things Foothills Compassionate Care.

Five Wishes

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES


AUGUST 27 | 9:00-10:30am


This interactive workshop will provide you with the tools and knowledge to create an Advance Care Plan document and feel empowered.

Pricing & Pizza Party


SEPT 24 & 25 | 9am-Noon, Noon-3pm


Join us at the Grass Valley Gift & Thrift to make some progress on the massive amount of donations ready for the floor, and enjoy some pizza while you're there! No experience required.

Death Deck & Drafts

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES


SEPT 27 | 1:30pm


The Death Deck is a playful card-based conversation tool that makes it easier to talk about the things we don’t always know how to talk about - our values, wishes, memories, and what matters most.


Highlights:

  • Good beer from Grass Valley Brewing Co.
  • Meaningful conversations

Plan Ahead:

Protect What Matters Most

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES


SEPT 29 | 4:00pm


Foothills Compassionate Care invites the community to join us for a free Estate Planning Workshop, presented by Ali Goff of Goff Legal. This informative and approachable workshop will help you better understand the important legal and financial decisions that can provide peace of mind and protect your wishes for the future.

Patient Support

Volunteer Training

5-DAY ORIENTATION


OCT 5-9


Our 5-day training program thoroughly prepares volunteers to work with our patients, families, caregivers and all those we serve.


Schedule:

October 5 (Mon): 8:30am-2:30pm

October 6-9 (Tues-Fri): 8:30am-12:30pm


Volunteer Services Include:

  • Friendly visitor
  • Caregiver respite
  • Office support / Front reception
  • Gift & Thrift stores
  • Pet visitor program
  • Vet-to-Vet program
  • Dying Vigil program
  • Spiritual Care program
  • Bereavement program
  • Fundraising / Special Events
  • Light housekeeping
  • Special skills (massage therapist, reiki, healing touch, musician, cosmetologist, etc)
 

Do you have a mission moment to share?


We're always looking for stories that exemplify the heart of what we do. Have one to share? Reply to this email an tell us about it!

 

Are You a Legacy Donor?

If you have included Foothills Compassionate Care in your estate plans, we would love the opportunity to thank you, welcome you into our Legacy Circle and ensure your gift is used exactly as you intend.


Please complete our Estate Plan Intention form, so that you may be recognized and recorded.