Eagles Tree Walk Raises Nearly $4,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

The Bjerken tree was decorated by the Thief River Falls Challenger Preschool class.
The Bjerken tree was decorated by the Thief River Falls Challenger Preschool class.

The 2nd Annual Eagles Tree Walk, held at the Eagles Club #2368 on Dec. 3, raised $3,915.75 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Thief River Falls and the surrounding communities.

The event featured beautifully decorated trees that were for sale during a silent auction, a soup and breadstick feed, an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. A Hospice Memorial Tree adorned with paper angel ornaments honored the memories of loved ones. The Bjerken tree was voted the most popular tree by attendees. This tree was decorated by the Thief River Falls Challenger Preschool class. They took a field trip to decorate the tree, view other trees and sing Christmas songs.

“On behalf of our patients, their loved ones and our staff, we thank Laurie Hager, the Tree Walk committee, the Eagles Club, sponsors and the Thief River Falls community for hosting such a great event,” said Jane Bartholomay, development officer at Hospice of the Red River Valley. “Your support and involvement is greatly appreciated and helps us provide the high quality care that our patients and their families deserve.”

22nd Annual Employee Potluck Raises More Than $2,700 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

Left to right: Jerimiah Moerke, Trudy Kordosky and Jane Butzer
Left to right: Jerimiah Moerke, Trudy Kordosky and Jane Butzer

Employees and retirees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota State Patrol and Driver & Vehicle Services in Detroit Lakes held their 22nd annual employee holiday potluck and fundraiser for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Dec. 13, 2016. This year’s event raised $2,779 for Hospice.

Every December, these agencies transform their lunchroom into a workshop of handcrafted and home-cooked items. Proceeds from the potluck have raised a total of $29,624 for Hospice of the Red River Valley since the event’s inception in 1995.

“It warms my heart to see the people that work to keep our highways safe take time out of their busy schedules to raise money for our organization,” said Jane Bartholomay, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “A huge thank you to each and every person involved for helping us provide the compassionate care that our patients and their families so richly deserve.”

Jane Butzer, Trudy Kordosky and Jerimiah Moerke organized this year’s event. Current and former employees donated a variety of items for the potluck and drawing, many of them handmade, including quilts, crocheted items, wood products, jewelry, stained glass, sweet treats and other goodies.

Border State Bank Employees Raise $3,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley

Employees of Border State Bank recently raised $3,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The Thief River Falls branch of Border State Bank has 20 employees who raise money throughout the year through various activities. This is the sixth year Border State Bank has chosen Hospice of the Red River Valley as the recipient. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Thief River Falls and surrounding communities.

Border State Bank Donation_2016
L to R: Border State Bank employees Karen Korpi, Jessica Porter and Bethany Packard, and Hospice of the Red River Valley Development Officer Curt Seter

Jessica Porter, Consumer Loan Servicing Specialist at Border State Bank, said they chose Hospice of the Red River Valley as the beneficiary because of the care and compassion the organization provides to families during such a difficult time. “Hospice of the Red River Valley is such a wonderful organization,” Porter said. “We are thankful for all of the community support and donations that have helped us continue to support such a vital service in our community. We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts in 2017 to provide future support.”

“We are so appreciative of Border State Bank’s generous gift and support,” Curt Seter, Hospice of the Red River Valley development officer, said. “Their continued commitment to supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley helps ensure compassionate end-of-life care will continue long into the future.”