32 Inspiring Caregivers Will Be Honored at Award Ceremony on November 8, 2012

Hinds Hospice thanks the community for nominating 32 special people for the 2012 Spirit of Compassion Award. The award was created in 2011 to honor end-of-life caregivers for going above and beyond caring for a family member, friend or patient. This year, nominees could include a family member, friend or volunteer as well as the staff of Hinds Hospice and other providers. The community-based Selection Committee will soon choose a recipient from each of the award’s two categories: Compensated and Uncompensated Care-giving. The award selection will not be easy. Many nominees are living examples of the deep love, strength and compassion required when a life journey is ending. The results will be announced at a Spirit of Compassion Award Ceremony on November 8, 2012 at TorNino’s. ALL nominees will be recognized at the invitation-only event.

Hinds Hospice thanks the many businesses that have made is possible to honor these local heroes without diverting revenue away from patient care. Sponsors currently include Dignity Memorial - Fresno area, Chapel of the Light, Wells Fargo Private Bank, New York Life (Agents Frederick Rich & F. James Lusk), Gilbert Fleming, Attorney at Law, Wright & Wright – Attorneys at Law, Inc., Yost & Webb Funeral Home, Delta Care Rx, and Sheila Cary, CFP, Sterling & Smith Funeral Directors. For more information about the award or to become a business supporter, contact Lynne Pietz, Director of Major Gifts by calling (559) 320-0310 x 166 or sending an email to LPietz@hindshospice.org.

Dear Friends,

As I complete my first two months at Hinds Hospice, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the many wonderful staff and volunteers. The warm welcome, willingness to answer my innumerable questions, and true focus on serving the needs of our patients and families in the midst of a never ending season of summer’s heat and transition of our long time leader and founder Nancy has been a gift to me. Change can challenge our long held beliefs, traditions, and routines. However it can also bring fresh insights, new relationships, and opportunities to begin anew. In just a few short months we have said our goodbyes to Nancy in many wonderful ceremonies and truly honored her legacy at the magical gala held in September. The staff are diligently preparing for an initial Joint Commission accreditation to acknowledge the quality programs and services provided by Hinds Hospice, we have remodeled the home on Twain to add a quiet room, and in our daily walk we are “honoring” the journey of our patients and families.

I thank each of every one of you for sharing your gifts with us and hope to get to know you all in our many years to come.

Blessings to all,

Amy R. Tobin, RN, CEO

Board of Directors

Susan Ryan President

J.D. Northway, M.D. Past President

Mike Andritch

Sylvester Bryan, M.D.

Cathy Frost

David Gresham, D.D.S.

Allan Hall, R.Ph

David Holden

Joseph Marchini

Jim Martin

Robin McCall

Eric McCormick

Mark Poochigian

Tim Rolen

Michael Russler, R.N., Ed.D

Scott Shimamoto

Rod Thornton

Nancy Hinds, R.N. Founder

The mission of Hinds Hospice is to

uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of

the terminally ill while supporting their loved ones, and those who

are grieving.

Postal NewsJust a reminder that the Merced office of Hinds Hospice no longer has a P.O. Box. Please send all communication to:

Hinds Hospice Merced 410 W. Main St. Suite A Merced, CA 95340

N E W S U P D A T E | F A L L 2 0 1 2

Welcome New Board Members!We are thrilled to announce that five new board members have recently joined our organization. We welcome Robin McCall, Mike Andritch, David Gresham, Mark Poochigian and Scott Shimamoto. All of our board members are volunteers in our community who value the mission of Hinds Hospice. We are so thankful for their time and talent!

www.hindshospice.orgwww.facebook.com/hindshospice • www.facebook.com/angelbabiesofhindshospicefunddevelopment@hindshospice.org

Summer Hinds Hospice Fundraisers A Success!This Summer, Hinds Hospice hosted two exciting fundraising dinners. The first was A Fun Summer Evening held on Saturday, August 25 at Lake Yosemite in Merced. Guests were treated to a dinner prepared by D’Angelo’s as well as a live and silent auction and music by John Albano and Lori Walsh. Approximately $30,000 was raised for programs and services in Merced County and another $17,000 for the Angel Babies program in Merced. Our thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this event such a success: Bob and Evie Ayers, Ray and Maria Giampaoli, Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Frank Granata, The Kivley Family, Amie Marchini, Gerontologist, Inc., Joe and Juliette Marchini, and Ed and Nancy Silva.

On Friday, September 14, A Night With Nancy was held at the Fresno Convention Center. The 650 guests enjoyed dinner by Pardini’s, live & silent auctions and music to the sounds of the Joe Lenigan Band. Nancy Hinds was honored by local and state dignitaries and the board of directors presented her with a surprise trip to Ireland. Approximately $95,000 was raised thanks to our guests and sponsors, including The Caglia Family in memory of Frank & Florence Caglia, Dumont Printing, Children’s Hospital, Central California, Kaiser Permanente, Baker, Manock & Jensen, Ernst & Young, California Cancer Center, New Hope Community Church and EECU.

In addition to these dinners, Angel Babies of Merced County and Rooster Ranch in Hilmar, CA, hosted the Inaugural Sporting Clays Benefit Shoot, on Saturday, September 22nd. There were 29 entries and six sponsors participating in this NSCA registered event, with proceeds to benefit Angel Babies of Merced County.

National Hospice & Palliative Care MonthNovember has been designated National Hospice & Palliative Care Month. The theme

for 2012 is “Comfort.Love.Respect.” We work hard all year round to make sure people know the full range of services that we provide in the community, yet during November, we ramp up our efforts to raise awareness of the high-quality care that’s available and the comfort, love and respect that come with hospice.

U P c o m i N g E v E N T S

Please visit www.hindshospice.org for more information

11/9/2012 – central california Association of Health Underwriters 2012 crab Feed – 5:30 p.m., TorNino’s, Fresno - This delicious crab feed includes dinner, live auction, raffle and a special dessert auction you don’t want to miss. Partial proceeds benefit the Hinds Hospice Angel Babies program. The cost is $55 per guest and sponsorships are available. Email info@ccahu.org or call (800) 347-5950.

11/11/2012 – Hope for the Holidays Workshop – 6:30-8:00 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Fresno. The holidays can bring an array of feelings for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn more about the unique challenges of those grieving during the “season of joy.” Please call (559) 248-8579 for more information or to register.

12/5/2012 – Lights of Love memorial Tree Lighting ceremony – 6:00 p.m., The Shops at River Park (near Yoshino Restaurant and Teazer’s). This special candlelight ceremony will honor and remember our loved ones and the legacy they have left. Lights on the tree are available to sponsor for $10 each in memory of your loved one(s). To purchase your light(s) or for more information, please visit www.hindshospice.org or call (559) 320-0308.

STATS at a GlanceLook how we’ve grown! In the last 5 years, Hinds Hospice has seen tremendous growth in order to meet the needs of our community:

This data shows us that while we cared for approximately 19% more patients in our 2012 fiscal year than we did in 2007, the number of patient days and our average daily census has grown tremendously by 51% indicating that our patients are receiving our services for a longer period of time. The growth trend continues and as of 10/8/2012, our average daily census for the month of October was 164.6. That means that over our Fresno, Madera and Merced County service area, our staff has an average of 164 patients on service each day!

Interested in Volunteering?If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Hinds Hospice, please consider attending one of our informational meetings. Meetings are held monthly, on the last Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the volunteer office at 1616 W Shaw, Ste. A-5, Fresno. Please contact Michele Hansen at (559) 320-0308 or mhansen@hindshospice.org to RSVP or for more information.

Save the Date!4/20/2013 Angel Babies merced Walk,

Applegate Park, Merced

5/4/2013 9th Annual Angel Babies Walk/Run, Fresno State

6/17/2013 8th Annual Angel Babies golf classic, Copper River Country Club, Fresno

FY 2007 FY 2012%

Growth10/1/2006-9/30/2007

10/1/2011-9/30/2012

Average Daily Census 97.6 147.2 51%

Number of Patient Days 35,639 53,891 51%

Number of Patients Served 1,117 1,329 19%

Throughout the year, various community groups, families, businesses and clubs plan and host fundraising events to benefit Hinds Hospice and we wanted to say “Thank You” for your efforts. From fireworks stands to car

shows, home raffles to bake sales, wine tastings to golf tournaments every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Generosity consists not the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed.” Thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us!

Thank you!