In the early 1980’s, it became clear that there was a need for funds to build a hospice program to provide personal, professional care for terminally ill patients in southwest Washington. A small group of extraordinary volunteers called on their friends and put together fundraising events, and in the Fall of 1984 Friends of Hospice Southwest Washington was formed and became official in 1985.They planned luncheons, ice cream socials, and even sold flowers from the trunks of their cars to fundraise. In only a few years, their dream came true a with the opening of Hospice Southwest (now Peace Health Hospice).
To this day, a journey of over 40 years, Friends of Hospice of Southwest Washington, a 501(c)(3 ) non-profit 100% volunteer organization continues to grow and evolve in its mission of providing needed funds for hospice and palliate care patients and their families through established hospice agencies: Peace Health Hospice, Providence Hospice, Eden Hospice, and Kaiser Permanente Hospice and Palliative Care Services.
Throughout the years our funds have touched many at a pivotal point in their live. The first request for funds was for a nightgown. An 86 year-old lady named Mary, in her final days, made a simple request, to be buried in a pink nightgown…with ruffles!!!