Hospice of Kona Volunteer Appreciation Party Spotlights Accomplishments

Hospice of Kona’s (HOK) “Stars of Service” volunteers were appreciated for their more than 10,500 volunteer hours at a Bingo-themed party at the Old Airport Pavilion last month. More than 100 volunteers enjoyed food catered by Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill, who was kind enough to deliver and set up; cooked smoked meat donated by a friend of Hospice of Kona, and ice cream cakes donated by Baskin Robbins’ owner Bahaa Megelly. Generous local businesses provided dozens of Bingo prizes, including Tealicious, Kona Stories Bookstore, and Christine’s Deli among others. Volunteer Jessica Miller assisted in event planning, design and decor.

“Our staff and volunteers do so much, even volunteering to help set up, serve and clean up at the Volunteer Appreciation party!” said Laura Varney, Hospice of Kona’s Chief Executive Officer. “They go above and beyond every day and so selflessly — it’s inspiring to live and work in such a generous community.”

The event was in celebration of National Volunteer Month, which recognizes community volunteers’ enthusiasm and commitment to serving others. In 2017 HOK volunteers performed 23% of patient care hours. Most hospices struggle to reach Medicare’s 5% requirement.

Volunteers work in a number of positions throughout Hospice of Kona’s many programs, including in the Memory Lane Thrift Shop on Kuakini Highway, the Nakamaru Hale hospice residential home, for Camp Erin-Hawai‘i, as patient caregivers and at various Hospice of Kona events. A number of volunteers also bring their talents to support the Hospice of Kona office and its staff.

For more information or to become a volunteer, contact Deann Canuteson at (808) 324-7700, or dcanuteson@hospiceofkona.org.