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

Local Organization Grants $417,450 To Benefit Hospice Care

June 10, 2008, Birmingham, Mich. - The Women's Committee For Hospice Care, Inc.'s (WCHC) Annual Meeting, held at the Townsend Hotel, was a successful close to a year of fundraising and awareness. From "A Grand Night For Hospice XXI" gala to the Spring Luncheon and Boutique, WCHC raised enough to disperse $417,450 to seven Southeastern Michigan area hospices. Monies were given to Angela Hospice Home Care, Inc., Beaumont Hospice, Mercy Hospice and Mercy Home Care, Hospices Of Henry Ford, Hospice Of Michigan, Karmanos Cancer Institute Hospice, and Visiting Nurse Association Hospice. Since 1987, WCHC has disbursed over $6.2 million to area hospices.

"To have had such a wonderfully successful year in this economy is really a tribute to our hospices and the work they do as well as our incredible members, volunteers and supporters," said Connie McEwan, outgoing WCHC President.

The 2008-2009 Executive Board was also announced at the Annual Meeting. New officers are Julie Beals, President; Rusty Raymond, First Vice President; Pat Short, Second Vice President; Nancy Smith, Recording Secretary; Kathy Antonini, Corresponding Secretary; Essie Asher, Treasurer.

About Women's Committee for Hospice Care, Inc.

The Women's Committee for Hospice Care, Inc. (WCHC), founded in 1986, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which raises and grants funds to nonprofit hospices in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties of southeastern Michigan.

All funding goes toward uninsured and under-insured 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.

2008-2009 Executive Board:
Julie Beals, Rusty Raymond, Nancy Smith, Kathy Antonini, Essie Asher

Sylvia Hagenlocker and Susan O'Brien

Esther Pamel and Incoming President Julie Beals

Nancy Smith and Current President Connie McEwan