Employees of Border State Bank in Thief River Falls recently raised $4,000 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 seventh 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.

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 2018 to provide future support.”

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

The third annual Tree Walk for Hospice will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at Eagles Club #2368, located at 305 Red Lake Boulevard in Thief River Falls.

Join us for an event featuring beautifully decorated trees, food and a variety of activities throughout the day! See the schedule of events below.

All events are free-will donation, except for the auction and bake sale. Net proceeds benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Schedule of Events
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tree Walk – View decorated trees and vote on your favorite. Trees will be available for purchase through a silent auction. Paper angels can be purchased at the event to decorate the Hospice Memorial Tree.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Holiday Bake Sale – Take home some tasty treats. The bake sale runs until the items are gone, so get there early!
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus – Bring the kids for a visit! Photos may be taken, and each child will receive a bag of treats provided by the Eagles Aries #2368.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Soup and breadstick feed – Free-will donation
2:30 p.m. Tree judging
3 p.m. Memorial ceremony

The third annual Marty Pinkney Memorial Golf Tournament was held June 16 at the Hawley Golf and Country Club and raised $3,185.97 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. Fourteen four-person teams participated in the tournament this year.

“This event continues to be a success, due in large part to the hard work and long hours put in by Jessica and Rita and their group of volunteers,” said Curt Seter, development officer for Hospice of the Red River Valley. “This event honors the memory of Marty Pinkney, and all of us at Hospice or the Red River Valley are very grateful that they have chosen this fun and important day to also support our organization.”

Marty Pinkney passed away under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley in 2014. The event is held in his memory by his family and friends and has raised more than $7,200 for Hospice of the Red River Valley since it began.

Dr. Tracie Mallberg Sylvester, MD, has joined Hospice of the Red River as a Staff Physician. In this role, she is responsible for the delivery of patient-centered, high-quality medical hospice care to patients and their families in collaboration with our medical director.

“There is a profound opportunity to make meaningful change in the lives of so many people in our area,” said Dr. Mallberg. “I am very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that Hospice offers.”

Most recently, Dr. Mallberg practiced in the emergency department at the VA Hospital in Fargo. She also owned and operated LilyCare, a clinic in West Fargo, for five years. In 2010 she was voted Fargo-Moorhead’s Woman of the Year in Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and her undergraduate degree from University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.

Redeemer Lutheran Church’s annual spaghetti benefit recently raised $1,373 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The event, held Oct. 2 in Thief River Falls, was the 27th annual dinner. We are so grateful for the generosity and continued support!

The second annual J.J.’s Hog Roast for Hospice was held Aug. 25-26 and raised $4,530 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The two-day event, which featured music, a car and bike show, and a traditional hog roast meal, was held in Pelican Rapids, Minn. Over the past two years, this event has raised $5,636 to help provide hospice care to patients and families.

“We’re so appreciative of Jeff and Cindy for hosting this event in memory of their son J.J. It brings the community together for delicious food, fun and a great cause,” said Curt Seter, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “We’re honored to be a part of this wonderful event. I hope we can continue to work together for years to come.”

The event was sponsored by A1 Radiator Service, Dewey’s Septic Service, Wanzek, Dakota Paper, Northstar Safety Inc., Roamers 4×4 Club, Doug’s Optical, Pro Pallet and Cormorant Inn.