Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island will hold its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, April 20 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick to celebrate the dedication of their volunteers from across the state. Over 70 volunteers are to be given the Presidential Service Award for donating 100-500+ hours of their time last year to those impacted by serious illnesses.

“Our volunteers have provided support, companionship and dignity to Hope Hospice RI patients and families who need it most,” said Diana Franchitto, president and CEO of HopeHealth. “They have been selfless and tirelessly devoted, and we’re excited to celebrate them for the amazing work that they do.”

Over 70 volunteers will be given the Presidential Service Award for reaching yearly volunteering milestones. Five of whom will receive Gold for 500+ hours:

  • Maria Finucane of Providence, 977 hours
  • Nancy Penta of North Providence, 540 hours
  • Cherine Whitney of North Kingstown, 713 hours
  • Margaret Wintle of Cranston, 762 hours
  • Edward Richard of Cranston, 590 hours

Fifteen will receive Silver for 250 – 499 hours. Eight volunteers will be awarded for their years dedicated to volunteering at Hope Hospice RI. Most notably:

  • Robert Corson of Barrington, 30 years
  • Betty Costantino of Cranston, 25 years
  • Stella Vassilopoulos of East Greenwich, 20 years
  • George Wycoff of Wakefield, 20 years

“Many of our volunteers have been touched by Hope Hospice RI in some way – whether they have lost a loved one who was in our care, or they have participated in our bereavement support groups. Our volunteers have turned their grief into good by coming back to help others, creating unbreakable bonds within our community,” said Deanna Upchurch, director of community services.

The Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be held Friday, April 20 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick. A social hour will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by guest speaker and volunteer coordinator Jennifer Grace. Jennifer will share her personal story of involvement with Hope Hopsice RI, as her son Cole was on service five years ago.  Jennifer’s story is nothing short of inspiring, she went from mother and caregiver, to grieving parent and eventually became a hospice volunteer and now volunteer coordinator. The luncheon and awards ceremony will follow.

“Thank you to all of our loyal volunteers – many of you have turned into family for those facing serious illnesses. You’ve made the impact of a lifetime, and we appreciate your strength and generosity every day,” added Franchitto.

If members of the media would like to attend, please contact Sarah Kennedy at skennedy@nharbor.com.