Remembering Through Giving
We provide financial assistance to VITAS hospice patients and their families, and to our community partners. Donations stay local, to maintain a "community connection."
New Jersey Family Pays Forward Their Gratitude
One family returned their gratitude to VITAS for the care provided to their wife and stepmother by presenting a $6,200 check to the VCC on what would have been her birthday.
New Jersey Family Hosts Fundraiser, Pays Forward Their Gratitude With VCC Donation
The Cavallo family couldn’t find the words to express their gratitude for the care their wife and stepmother received from the VITAS hospice team on the New Jersey Shore. Instead, they showed their thanks by hosting their own fundraiser with the support of the Garden State Ryderz, a group of motorcyclist enthusiasts who have a passion for riding and community philanthropy.
On December 11, 2019—the day that would have been the birthday of their wife and stepmother, Diane—the Cavallo family visited the VITAS New Jersey Shore office in Shrewsbury, NJ. After a “heartfelt” speech by Anthony, Diane’s stepson, the Cavallos presented a $6,200 check to VITAS Community Connection, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides support to hospice patients and families with special needs.
“The family came into our office and they spoke very poignantly about VITAS and how our program had provided great services to their wife and stepmother,” says Ursula Covin, local business manager for VITAS. “They told us how VITAS really opened their eyes to what hospice is. They were so touched by the experience that they wanted to do something to help other patients and families. They were clearly still very emotional when they presented the check to VCC. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs.”
Anthony had contacted the New Jersey team after his stepmother’s death in 2019. The former healthcare worker, now a police officer, is a member of the Garden State Ryderz and asked what he and his family could do to show their appreciation to the VITAS hospice team who cared for Diane during the four months she was on hospice care.
Their event at a restaurant in Union, NJ, raised money through ticket sales, raffles and the sale of a T-shirt designed in Diane’s memory. VITAS Volunteer Manager Mariel Pietrykoski attended the fundraiser to answer questions about hospice and provide information supporting hospice patients and families by becoming volunteers or donating to the VCC.
“Thanks to the Cavallo’s efforts, we can provide additional support to the families who need it most,” says Ursula.
About VITAS Community Connection
We were organized in 2010 to provide financial assistance to VITAS hospice patients and families in need, and to support our community partners. Donations received from grateful families and friends in memory of their loved ones, and from donors who believe in hospice organizations, are used to provide support through VITAS Community Connection.
VITAS Community Connection is a 501(c)3 charitable organization (Tax ID 27-4027765). All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. 100% of every donation goes to local patient needs or as grants donated to our local community partners, who also provide aid to many VITAS patients. Donations may assist with expenses like utilities and rent or provide airfare and other patient/family needs.
VITAS is the nation’s leading provider of hospice care with programs in 14 states – California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin – and the District of Columbia.
Florida disclosure statement:
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Florida registration number: CH34986
Contact Florida division of consumer services: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
Your donation may buy groceries, pay a utility bill or help a family member travel to see a dying loved one. We support the needs beyond patient care; no medical bills or funeral expenses are paid. VITAS Community Connection also extends support to community partners: local non-profit foundations and organizations that share our mission of assisting patients in need.
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