Over 200 guests gathered on Saturday, September 26th, 2009 at a home in Bedford, New York for the 12th Annual Caring Circle Cocktail Party to benefit Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam’s bereavement programs. Chairpersons for this year’s event were Kerry Ellen and Tom Filippone of Pound Ridge.

The event raised over $45,000 for Hospice Care’s Caring Circle Children’s Bereavement Program, the Maggie Rose Perinatal Support Program and Hospice’s Adult Bereavement Services. All of Hospice Care’s bereavement services are offered, at no cost, to residents of Westchester and Putnam who have lost a loved one.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served as guests mingled throughout the spacious courtyard. A big hit with the guests was the Take a Chance Basket Auction, which gave guests the chance to win great prizes such as gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, autographed sports memorabilia and a fishing trip, among others.

“Tom and I have been involved with the Caring Circle for many years. It was our pleasure to chair this year’s event and to have the opportunity to work with our wonderful hosts for the evening, said Kerry Ellen Filippone, co-chair. “The Caring Circle is such a vital service that Hospice Care provides free of charge to any child in Westchester & Putnam. It was heartening to see so many people at the event who truly understood how important this program is to the well being of children who suffer a loss.”

The Caring Circle meets biweekly in Yorktown Heights and Yonkers and is open, at no cost, to all children in Westchester and Putnam who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Under the guidance of counselors specifically trained to deal with childhood grief, The Caring Circle children participate in activities such as art and music that encourage self-expression and help them heal from their loss. Annually, over 300 children and their families participate in The Caring Circle.
 

Special thanks to event sponsors:





Neto’s Catering



Maria & George Roach and Mark Weigel.