Hospice Quinte’s Shining Star Society Casino Night proved to be an unforgettable evening of charity and camaraderie, raising close to $46,000 for hospice and palliative care services in the Quinte region. Hosted on November 21st at the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, the event welcomed over 100 guests to a night of entertainment, goodwill, and heartfelt support for a vital cause.
The event, characterized by the elegance and excitement of casino-style games and a dynamic live auction, showcased the community’s generosity and solidarity. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward enhancing end-of-life care services at the Stan Klemencic Care Centre in Belleville, as well as maintaining the essential services Hospice Quinte provides to families across the region. This significant contribution underscores the community’s dedication to supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of terminal illness and loss.
Petra Lepage, Executive Director of Hospice Quinte, expressed profound gratitude to attendees and contributors. She highlighted the transformative impact of the funds raised, emphasizing that they will directly support the provision of compassionate care for those in their final days. “The community’s generosity ensures that we can continue to offer vital hospice and palliative care services to individuals and families in need. This support is more than financial—it’s a testament to the shared values of compassion and care that bind us all together,” Lepage noted during the event.
Board President Breanne Matthews also took the opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making the evening a success, including donors, volunteers, and event attendees. She recognized the dedication of the Shining Star Donors, who have made substantial contributions to Hospice Quinte throughout 2024. Their commitment was celebrated as an inspiring example of how individual generosity can create lasting impacts on a community.
Guests at the casino night were treated to an immersive experience, featuring classic casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, alongside the excitement of the live auction. With high-energy bidding wars and the opportunity to win valuable prizes, attendees were both entertained and motivated to support the cause. The event struck a balance between fun and purpose, ensuring that every participant left with a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
The funds raised will help Hospice Quinte continue its mission of offering compassionate care to individuals nearing the end of life. This includes addressing not only their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. Moreover, the organization provides essential grief support to families, helping them cope with loss and build resilience during difficult times. The event’s success ensures that these critical services remain accessible to all who need them.
Hospice Quinte’s efforts are particularly crucial in today’s healthcare landscape, where the demand for palliative care continues to grow. The Stan Klemencic Care Centre serves as a cornerstone of this mission, providing a tranquil and supportive environment where patients can spend their final days with dignity and comfort. By securing the funds necessary to sustain and expand these services, Hospice Quinte ensures that no family in the region has to face the end-of-life journey alone.
The Shining Star Society Casino Night also served as a platform to highlight the broader importance of hospice care. As Lepage and Matthews emphasized, hospice services go beyond medical treatment—they provide a holistic approach that honors the humanity and individuality of each patient. This philosophy of care resonates deeply with the community, as evidenced by the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation in the fundraiser.
As the evening drew to a close, the air was filled with gratitude and optimism. The overwhelming support for Hospice Quinte was not only a financial boon but also a powerful affirmation of the community’s shared commitment to compassion and care. The success of the Casino Night reflects the strength of the bonds within the Quinte region—a community that comes together in times of need, united by a common purpose.
Looking ahead, Hospice Quinte remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exemplary care and support. Events like the Shining Star Society Casino Night are vital to sustaining this mission, offering both financial resources and an opportunity to bring the community closer to the cause. With continued support from donors, volunteers, and advocates, Hospice Quinte is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
