Jan. 26, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Zimmer, WCHC Publicity Chair
248-703-2671
amyzim@aol.com

Women's Committee for Hospice Care, Inc. Gross Over $438,000 for Hospice Care

Jan. 26, 2008 Dearborn, Mich.- From the slight chill in the air to the ice-funneled martini bar, the scene was set at The Ritz-Carlton for the Women's Committee for Hospice Care, Inc.'s (WCHC) "A Grand Night for Hospice" for elegant sophistication. As 574 black-tie adorned and bejeweled patrons and benefactors mingled for gourmet hors d'uvres and cocktails under an array of deco-style chandeliers, they were ready to lend their support to hospice care in southeast Michigan, and by night's end, a grand gross revenue of over $438,000 in assistance was raised.

WCHC President, Connie McEwan said: "Every year I marvel at the way our corporate and individual sponsors and donors step up and make it happen. We couldn't do it without them and I'm so very grateful!"

WCHC celebrated their 20th anniversary Ball with a certificate of tribute from Governor Jennifer Granholm and a special proclamation from L. Brooks Patterson designating January 20-27th, 2008, as Hospice Awareness Week in Oakland County. In addition, they had wonderful support from the event's honorary chairs Mr. and Mrs. Edsel B. Ford II (Ford Motor Company); Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Harris and Mr. and Mrs. John Quattrone (General Motors); Mr. and Mrs. Steven Landry (Chrysler); Mr. and Mrs. Bob Rozek and Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Westley (Bose); and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Janovsky (Neiman Marcus).

The night's highlights were a live and silent auction, in which for the second year, the WCHC used laptop computers for electronic bidding. Throughout the live auction Master of Ceremonies, Paula Tutman, of WDIV Local 4, kept the crowd enthused with her energy and wit. Many of the auction items had a true feel of Detroit giving back to the city, including items like lunch with former Detroiter, ABC's Bob Woodruff, at ABC Studios in New York City, and two tickets to a New York taping of the BRAVO Signature Series "Inside The Actor's Studio," hosted by Detroit's own James Lipton. Michigan fans were lucky to vie for the opportunity to golf with legendary coach Lloyd Carr at Oakland Hills Country Club. The big ticket item of the evening was a 2008 Saturn Sky silver convertible, donated by Saturn of Clarkston/Saturn of Southfield. The package offering a walk-on part on HBO's hit series Entourage led to a lively bidding war. After a successful bid, the winner of the Segway personal transporter, hopped on and demonstrated for the crowd how easy and fun it is to operate. The auctions raised $177,837.

Internationally renowned photographer Linda Solomon was a special guest at the event. She was honored for volunteering her skills to teach the SandCastles Grief and Loss program youth how to take pictures.

The evening debuted a moving video about the SandCastles Grief and Loss program that left not a dry eye in the room. Special moments included a teen recalling to the minute his mother's passing at Beaumont Hospital, and how he and other youths have been uplifted through SandCastles and inspired by projects like the one Linda Solomon brought them. They used cameras to envision images of love, character, and courage. Linda Solomon then put forth a personal plea for the Children's Grief Fund for donations to support programs like these. Some of the SandCastles children were at the event and Linda brought one boy, Charlie Vincent, on stage, introducing him as being inspirational to her and an example of "inner strength and heart." Solomon helped raise $38,000 for the Children's Grief Fund.

The elegant and emotional night ended with a sweet array of desserts and dancing to the Jerry Fenby Band.

About Women's Committee for Hospice Care, Inc.
The WCHC, founded in 1986 as a 501(c)3 corporation, raises and grants funds to non-profit hospices in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. All funding goes toward uninsured and underinsured services including pain management, indigent care, pediatric programs, bereavement services and respite care. To date, WCHC has disbursed over $5.8 million to area hospices. For more information on WCHC, visit www.wchcinc.org.