Heroes of Hospice honorees Kisa Heyer, CEO of Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, Lady Ridley-Tree for Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, and Charles Zimmer, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara, speak at last week’s awards ceremony. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara was pleased to recognize and celebrate the heroes in our community last Wednesday at its “Jewels by the Sea” luncheon and awards ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino.
As part of the 2017 Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara event, several outstanding individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to help make Santa Barbara a better place were recognized, including the Flower Empower program of the Dream Foundation; Ridley-Tree Cancer Center; and Charles Zimmer, the longtime past executive director of Hospice of Santa Barbara.
“Jewels by the Sea” also featured local “gems”–pieces of selected new and antique jewelry that served as the highlight of the reception’s silent auction collection.
This year’s award recipients are:
Volunteer Award—Dream Foundation’s “Flower Empower” program, a Santa Barbara-based, volunteer-driven program that delivers floral bouquets, fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates and cards hand made by school children to people in hospitals, hospices, cancer centers and their homes. Volunteers prepare dozens of arrangements using donated flowers. Flower delivery referrals come from cancer centers, nurses, doctors, hospices, elder support organizations and others. The Flower Empower generously provides their gifts to many local people including the clients that HSB serves.
Partnership Award—Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is the regional destination for anyone needing oncology and services. They are a source of continuing support to cancer patients and theirfamilies. Hospice of Santa Barbara is proud of its long partnership with the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in serve to those with cancer.
Legacy Award—Charles Zimmer has worn multiple hats for Hospice of Santa Barbara, giving tirelessly to its mission as both a leader, advisor and advocate. Charlie was one of the organization’s early Executive Directors before later moving onto the Board of Directors. Currently he is on the Hospice of Santa Barbara Human Resource advisory committee as well as being an Emeritus Board member. His leadership and the numerous roles he has continuously played has made Hospice of Santa Barbara the outstanding nonprofit it is today.
About Hospice of Santa Barbara
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides, at no cost, professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a serious illness. Hospice of Santa Barbara is also present on six local high school campuses to work with children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.