The Thundering Saints donated $5,000 to Hospice of the Red River Valley, generated from proceeds of the 10th Annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride and Raffle, which was held July 28 in Valley City, North Dakota. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Valley City and the surrounding communities.

The event founder, Rocky Gabel, holds the event in memory of his wife, Debbie, whom he lost to ovarian cancer in 2009. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Debbie.

This year’s ride started and ended at Boomer’s Corner Keg in Valley City. Hospice of the Red River Valley has an office location in Valley City.

“We are so appreciative of this gift and support,” said Curt Seter, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “The Thundering Saints’ continued commitment to supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley helps ensure compassionate end-of-life care will continue long into the future.”

Thundering Saints Inc. is the non-profit organization that organizes the event to raise money to help individuals fighting cancer. Visit www.thunderingsaints.com for more information.

Health care professionals are invited to Hospice of the Red River Valley’s upcoming Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore topics related to end-of-life care. Lunch and Learns are held every other month on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m.

The next session will be held Tuesday, Sept. 11 from noon-1 p.m. Brenda Kaspari, Ph.D., with the Master of Arts in Leadership Program at the University of Jamestown, will present, “Grit: Developing the Power of Passion and Perseverance.” This collaborative session will explore the concept of grit and how it distinguishes high achievers. The four major components of grit will be discussed as well as how to develop grit in yourself and in those with whom you live and work.

This Lunch and Learn will be held at five Hospice of the Red River Valley locations:

• Fargo – 1701 38th St. SW

• Detroit Lakes – 1111 Highway 10

• Grand Forks – 2860 10th Ave. N., Suite 400

• Lisbon – 415 Main St.

• Valley City – 1240 W. Main St.

The Detroit Lakes, Grand Forks, Lisbon and Valley City offices will connect via videoconference to the Fargo office, where the live presentation will take place.

This event is free and open to all health care professionals. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. RSVP online at bit.ly/hrrvlunchlearn by Sept. 4. Participants may bring their own lunches; coffee and water will be provided. If you have questions, please send an email to lunchlearn@hrrv.org.

Health care professionals are invited to Hospice of the Red River Valley’s upcoming Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore topics related to end-of-life care. Lunch and Learns are held every other month on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m.

The next session will be held Tuesday, July 10 from noon-1 p.m. Stephanie Pritchard, bereavement specialist with Hospice of the Red River Valley, will present, “Suicide Assessment and Safety Planning.” Attendees will learn how to create a safety plan; identify definitions of suicidal ideation, intent, plans and means; and increase awareness of the importance of suicidal assessments.

This Lunch and Learn will be held at five Hospice of the Red River Valley locations:

• Fargo – 1701 38th St. SW

• Detroit Lakes – 1111 Highway 10

• Grand Forks – 2860 10th Ave. N., Suite 400

• Lisbon – 415 Main St.

• Valley City – 1240 W. Main St.

The Detroit Lakes, Grand Forks, Lisbon and Valley City offices will connect via videoconference to the Fargo office, where the live presentation will take place.

This event is free and open to all health care professionals. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. RSVP online at bit.ly/hrrvlunchlearn by July 1. Participants may bring their own lunches; coffee and water will be provided. If you have questions, please send an email to lunchlearn@hrrv.org.

The third annual RibBest rib competition and potluck was held May 26 at Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, Minn., and raised more than $1,400 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The funds will be used to help provide hospice care in Naytahwaush and the surrounding area.

There were 10 entrants in this year’s competition. Reed Bjerk won first place, and Trish Baumann took second place.

“Everyone at Hospice of the Red River Valley is so grateful to the community of Naytahwaush and the surrounding area for their generous support of our organization,” said Curt Seter, a development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “The funds raised by the annual RibBest event helps ensure that Hospice of the Red River Valley will have the resources necessary to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our patients and their families in the Naytahwaush area.”

The event has raised $4,180.91 through three years.

“Pinehurst Resort is extremely generous in not just providing the venue for this event, but in their support of Hospice of the Red River Valley,” said event organizer Becky Rantanen. “We truly could not hold these events without them.”