+ News and Press
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Striking a Note for the Hospice
Monday 10th October, 2005 (Cayman Compass)

People who came out for the Voices for Hospices event at Coconut Joe’s Saturday, 8 October, were loud and clear in their support of the palliative care organisation.

The day was part of the world’s largest regular musical event held to support hospices around the globe.

John Borgwardt, manager of Cayman HospiceCare, explained the day was part of a public–awareness campaign.

"For the last three weeks, we have taken every opportunity to talk about Cayman HospiceCare to the community.

“The culmination of this educational outreach was World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Saturday. Clearly, hospice has a serious and solemn aspect to it. But, like life, we have a fun side as well. And Saturday proved to be just that, a fun, life–affirming event,” he said.

Staff at the restaurant kicked off the day by holding a car wash, one of several charitable functions in which they participate throughout the year.

Coconut Joe’s owner, Derek Bellini, was happy to offer his restaurant as the venue.

“We do about four different charity events a year. This is the second one this year for the hospice. We did a charity car wash earlier. I don’t think many people know about the hospice here,” Mr. Bellini said.

Jennifer McCarthy, fundraising coordinator for the hospice, hopes these types of events will help to raise the organisation’s profile.

“The importance of an event like this is to build awareness. It was incredibly special to have so many people come, with their families, and spend the entire afternoon.

“I even had a kid come up to me and ask what a hospice is. The more people that understand what we do, the better,” Mrs. McCarthy said.
The hospice is a non–profit organisation that offers palliative care for people with life–threatening illnesses. All of the services the hospice provides are free.

The hospice therefore relies heavily on donations and funds collected through special events to stay up and running.
Mr. Bellini added that his staff is always ready to help with the cause.

“The staff volunteered for the car wash and had a great time. In all my fundraisers, my staff is always involved and always happy to do it,” he said.

After the car wash, local band Red, White and Blues entertained the crowd while Mrs. McCarthy and a group of volunteers sold raffle tickets and T–shirts.

In the evening, there was a barbecue, and music provided by deejay Vicki Wheaton.

In addition to Coconut Joe’s, major sponsors of the event included Jacques Scott, the Westin Casuarina Resort, Cobalt Coast and Cayman Helicopter, all of which donated raffle prizes or items to auction. In all, more than 40 local businesses donated gift certificates and products, Mrs. McCarthy said.

The day went very well, she added.

"I am extremely excited about the outcome of this event. We were trying something new and we got so much support and positive feedback, it really shows people care,” Mrs. McCarthy said.