Sunset Hospice Cottage's endowment fund to get proceeds from 'Chair-ity' auction

Julie Buntjer, The Daily Globe, Worthington, Minn.
·2 min read

Jun. 4—WORTHINGTON — After hearing numerous times from individuals concerned about their inability to pay for a loved one's care at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, the board of directors worked tirelessly to establish an endowment. It became a reality four years ago, and now, anyone in need of end-of-life care can become a resident of the cottage, regardless of financial ability.

For its Regatta Chair-ity this year, The Globe selected the community-owned Sunset Hospice Cottage, Inc.'s endowment fund as the recipient of dollars raised through this, the 18th Adirondack-style chair auction.

"We are so excited to host this year's chair auction again," said Globe Publisher Joni Harms. "Over the years we've worked with charities, organizations and committees to help fund their cause."

Sunset Hospice Cottage provides an important and needed service to individuals in their last days, weeks and months. To be able to help more people access end-of-life care at Worthington's beautiful cottage is certainly a worthy cause, Harms added.

"All of the monies coming to our endowment are really appreciated," said Dave Serrano, president of Sunset Hospice Cottage, Inc.'s board of directors. "We have constant needs ... and it is such a blessing for our organization to never have to say no.

"Donations like this are just really appreciated because, again, we have money constantly going out," Serrano added. "It's nice that the community is always willing to give back — they're so generous."

This year, Highland Manufacturing of Worthington asked to help with the chair auction. They purchased all 10 Adirondack-style chairs, which were then painted by 10 local artists.

"Their generous donation, along with the businesses that do a sponsorship for each individual chair, will help elevate the donation level," shared Harms.

Auctioneers for the chair auction once again include veteran Steve Prins and budding auctioneer Riley Widboom.

"Together, they will surely entertain and work the crowd for a fun-filled evening," Harms said.