Lifetime Care's 7th annual harvest festival honored outstanding staff and volunteers in Rochester, New York, while raising more than $38,000 to support hospice programs. Here’s a quick recap of the event.

The 7^th Annual Harvest Festival

Held on Friday, September 7 at Burgundy Basin in Pittsford, NY, more than 130 guests gathered to experience entertainment from the University of Rochester’’s Midnight Ramblers and the All in Brass bands. There was also music and magic provided by Jimmy C’s and Extended Sound. 

The Awards

The highlight of the festivities was the honoring of several exceptional Lifetime Care employees and volunteers with the Hildebrandt Spirit Awards. Don Alhart of 13WHAM TV emceed the award presentations, which honored two exemplary employees and one volunteer. Amanda Kandt, RN, received a spirit award for her commitment to going the extra mile whenever called upon, and Kimberly Zacharias, Assistant Director of Lifetime Care, was recognized for her compassion in the workplace.

David Krotz was named this year's outstanding volunteer. Former Lifetime Care president Pat Heffernan noted the importance of recognizing hospice volunteers and described some of the challenges that can come with this work: "That volunteer is the steady, calm presence. It is the greatest aspect of humanity that total strangers can come together at such a time of such difficulty and sorrow," she said. "It feels so good to the loved ones of the people who are dying and to the dying person, to have that experience. Our hospice volunteers are, I believe, the best in the world.” 

The money raised by the Harvest Festival is earmarked for the continuation of hospice programs not covered by insurance, such as music therapy and pastoral care, as well as bereavement services for adults and children.

Since 1960, Lifetime Care has provided compassionate care for those who are ill, injured, dying, or grieving in Western New York. In addition to attending to clients’ physical needs via nursing, home health, respite, and hospice care, the company also focuses on emotional and mental well-being through support groups and bereavement programs. These compassionate, experienced professionals work from six locations and individualize their care. Learn about their home health services online, and call (585) 214-1000 to speak to a team member.