Monday evening, May 20, Hospice Services of Lake County had an enjoyable and successful fundraiser, "A Taste of Italy," at Park Place Restaurant. The funds raised help support our Wings of Hope Family Camps and school bereavement programs.

Thanks, first and foremost, go to the owners of Park Place Restaurant, Barbara Morris and Nancy Zabel and their staff, who donated their restaurant and service for the evening. The food was lovingly prepared and served. Guest were greeted by our host Luigi (aka Bert Hutt), enjoyed a wonderful three course dinner, and listened to the soothing sounds of the classical guitar played by Dr. Paul Farley.

My thanks to all of you who purchased raffle tickets and attended the dinner. We could not continue to serve our patients and their loved ones without your support and dedication.

Also, a special shout-out to Christine Hutt and Freda Hammes, who kept us organized and on task throughout the planning of this event.

We also extend our thanks to the Hospice Services of Lake County’s Board of Directors for donating wine, selling tickets, and taking the time to attend this event.

I would like to end with a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, philosopher and theologian who said, “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”

We have been enriched and we are grateful. Thank you, Lake County.

Anja Koot is executive director of Hospice Services of Lake County, based in Lakeport, Calif.