M. Karen Cooke to be honored by Hospice

Monticello —The board of Directors and volunteers of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties are repeating an event that has been popular in Orange County. This year, however, the “Blast from the Past” dinner/dance fundraiser will take place in Sullivan County at Kutcher’s Country Club at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. Advance reservations are necessary. M. Karen Cooke will be honored that evening with a “Founder’s Award” for her past service to Hospice. Her interest in providing care to the dying led her to work with the Hospice Program in Sullivan County. She was instrumental in all phases of the development of the program including the organizational committee, by-laws, fundraising, community education, volunteer recruitment and serving on the original board for the Sullivan County Hospice. Cooke is presently the executive director of the Sullivan County Child Care Council. “We feel that this is a perfect way to celebrate the past and future accomplishments of our growing organization,” said Dan Grady, President & CEO. Also attending the “Blast from the Past” will be Jackie Horner. She is a Sullivan County resident and the inspiration for the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” which is the theme that was chosen for this year’s fundraiser. Horner has graciously offered to give a short history of the movie and how it became set in Sullivan County. The “Blast from the Past” is an informal event. There will be hoola-hooping and bubblegum-blowing contests. Dancing to the sounds of the Dynasty Orchestra will bring back memories of the past with songs from the 60’s and 70’s. Guests are invited to come dressed in jeans, leather jackets, bobby socks, poodle skirts or bell-bottoms. The ticket price is $60. Tables of 10 are discounted at $550. The ticket price includes dancing, food, & soft drinks. Tables are limited, so reserve early. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. Hospice is a specialized care program for terminally ill patients with advanced end-stage illness, having a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice works in tandem with primary care physicians, and enables patients to live every day of life to the fullest; focusing on comfort and the enhancement of the individual’s quality of life. For more information call Kathi Webber at 561-5362 ext. 304.