Thank you to everybody that supported and attended the 36th Helping Hands Award Dinner on Wednesday, September 8 at the Gillespie Conference Center! It was truly a great event and we enjoyed being able to host everybody in a fun and safe environment. The support shown for Drs. Zoreen and Rafat Ansari was incredible to witness!

The year 1980 saw two major developments in the healthcare industry in our community – oncologist Dr. Rafat Ansari began caring for patients at Michiana Hematology Oncology and Center for Hospice Care served their first patient. In recognition of these two milestones, the theme for the 2020 Helping Hands Award Dinner was “40/40 in 2020.” The Ansaris were chosen for the award to recognize their exponential impact in our community through their acts of kindness and philanthropy. In the spirit of the unprecedented circumstances of 2020 and in consistency with moving our event to 2021 we have revised the theme to “40/40 in 2020. The Lost Year.”

The Ansaris were integral in establishing autism advocacy and services in our community through the creation of the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at LOGAN Center in South Bend.  The center, named for their daughter Sonya, provides a range of services, resources, and training for parents, educators and professionals who face the daily realities of autism. In addition, Zoreen and Rafat presented a transformational gift to the University of Notre Dame to establish the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion in the Keough School of Global Affairs. The Institute focuses on religious studies and research, with worldwide engagement and education. Further demonstrating their commitment to education, Zoreen was essential in the creation of two elementary schools in Sindh, Pakistan. Rafat’s published work in oncology care has provided guidance to the medical community at large. The compassionate care, support and guidance provided through their work as physicians has given great comfort to innumerable patients and families in our community.

Zoreen and Rafat moved to South Bend in 1980 and locally raised their three children, Sarah, Adam and Sonya. Through their ongoing work and generosity, the Ansaris have created a ripple effect across the community and around the world. Center for Hospice Care and the Hospice Foundation are honored to recognize Zoreen and Rafat by sharing the wonderful ways they are improving the quality of living for so many.

Thank you to all of our sponsors! Your support allows us to keep our over 40 year promise that no one who is eligible for and wants hospice care will ever be turned away, regardless of their ability to pay.

Dinner Committee

Committee Chairs

Committee Members

If you would still like to make a donation towards the 36th Helping Hands Award Dinner in honor of Drs. Zoreen and Rafat Ansari, please do so below.