Choice Financial’s Go Hawaiian for Hospice lunch fundraiser, held July 1 in Fargo, generated more than $35,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley (HRRV). Attendees of the luau-style lunch enjoyed roast pig, french fries, fresh pineapple, Hawaiian Punch and a frozen treat. Audra Mari, Miss North Dakota USA 2014, and Josie Hettich, Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2014, were special guests at the event that also featured live music, prize drawings and a memorial wall where guests were invited to remember their loved ones. Attendance was estimated at 800 people.
“Despite the wind and rain, the second annual Go Hawaiian for Hospice fundraiser was an overwhelming success; we surpassed our fundraising goal of $30,000,” Deb Gemar, director of community relations for Hospice of the Red River Valley shared. “We are so grateful for the loyal, steadfast supporters of Hospice of the Red River Valley who help us carry out our mission to provide comfort at the end of life’s journey.”
“We know North Dakotans are hardy, but to see those tents nearly full to capacity was still surprising, and truly heartwarming,” Erv Inniger, board member and senior director of community relations at Choice Financial said. “Hospice has a special place in my heart after seeing the care they provide. Choice Financial has locations up and down the Red River Valley, in the same communities served by HRRV, so we’re honored to help this organization serve those in need of end-of-life care.”
The money raised provides care for patients and their families and supports HRRV’s grief support services, as well as other non-reimbursed needs.
Go Hawaiian for Hospice is an annual event.
About Choice Financial
Choice Financial is a premier choice for financial solutions with 14 full-service banking locations and one loan production office in North Dakota, and one full-service banking location in Minnesota. The bank was recently named the top performing community bank by SNL Financial, and is proud to hold the #1 position out of 784 community banks eligible. The designation is based on performance criteria for banks with assets between $500 million and $5 billion.
About Hospice of the Red River Valley
Hospice of the Red River Valley is an independent, not-for-profit hospice serving all, or portions of, 29 counties in North Dakota and Minnesota. Hospice care is intensive comfort care that alleviates pain and suffering, enhancing the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones by addressing their medical, emotional, spiritual and grief needs. For more information, call toll free 800-237-4629, e-mail questions@hrrv.org or visit www.hrrv.org.
