The Evergreen Healthcare Foundation’s third annual Seasons of Hope Luncheon at the Lynnwood Convention Center on Nov. 17, raised more than $88,000 to help support Evergreen’s Hospice and Palliative Care programs and services.

The remembrance event was also a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice Center.

The luncheon brought together 450 leaders and corporate sponsors from the Eastside community, Evergreen providers and support staff and those whose family members have received care through Evergreen Hospice and Palliative Care.

The funds will benefit people suffering from chronic and life-limiting illnesses through valuable community services, including uncompensated care, palliative care consultations and the Gene and Irene Wockner Hospice Center; as well as many complementary therapies that offer critical care options for patients and their families.

“We are always awed at the outpouring of support and generosity from the Eastside community and our sponsors,” said Evergreen Healthcare CEO Robert Malte. “The Seasons of Hope Luncheon is such a valuable resource to help Evergreen provide its comprehensive hospice and palliative care services to those who need it most.”

Evergreen celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Hospice Center with the inaugural presentation of the Founders Awards, honoring the Wockner family, Dr. Claude DeShazo and Gerri Haynes, RN, for their selfless service to Evergreen hospice care programs and their instrumental roles in creating the Center.

The event also highlighted the impact of music and art on hospice care and featured a keynote presentation from filmmaker and hospice volunteer Camilla Rockwell showcasing her film, “Holding Our Own: Embracing the End of Life,” which celebrates the power that art plays in coping with mortality.

Drs. Michael and Richard Krebs also gave special guest speeches.

The Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice Center is the only freestanding hospice center in King and Snohomish counties and provides programs and services to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people suffering from chronic and life-limiting illnesses.

To learn more about Evergreen Healthcare visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org or call the Evergreen Healthline at 425-899-3000.