Elkhart Gardens of Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony
After two years of hosting virtual Gardens of Remembrance and Renewal ceremonies, we welcomed guests back to Center for Hospice Care’s (CHC) Elkhart campus for an in-person event on June 7. Attendees were greeted by a beautiful spring day with sun shining upon the items that they had gathered to see dedicated.
This is a special event for families and friends because it gives them an opportunity to honor or memorialize their loved one in a tangible way with bricks and or flowering or evergreen trees. Guests were welcomed by Hospice Foundation’s Chief Development Officer Chris Taelman, followed by comments from CHC President and CEO Mark Murray. Bereavement Counselor Debra Bledsoe then led those in attendance in a response litany that helps them remember that their loved ones are always present in their lives and memories.
This year 10 trees and 19 bricks were donated in memory or honor of loved ones. The purchase of these items helps CHC keep its over 42-year promise that no one eligible for hospice care will be turned away, regardless of their ability to pay. The annual event takes place on the first Tuesday in June on the grounds of CHC’s Elkhart campus. If you are interested in placing an item in time for the upcoming event on June 6, 2023, please visit FoundationForHospice.org/give-elkhart-campus or contact Heidi Payton at PaytonH@FoundationForHospice.org.