Tis the Season Set for Hospice Fundraiser

By Joel Frady

The holiday shopping store 'Tis the Season will be hosting Light up the Night for High Country Hospice on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Santa Claus will be in person for the event, providing a picture opportunity for parents, and the event will also feature refreshments, such as hot chocolate and cider, and children's activities.

Carol Dodson, owner and operator of 'Tis the Season, said that she wanted to hold an event for an organization that helps community development, and that West Jefferson Town Manager Greg McGinnis suggested that she consider Hospice.

"They liked the idea," Dodson said, noting that she will be turning the store and her employees over to representatives of High Country Hospice for the evening, along with 10 percent of the profits. Dodson also said that she wanted to illustrate "how pretty the store looks at night when we turn off the big florescent lights" and leave the Christmas lights on, which is how the store will look on Friday.

For Candace Cook, assistant marketer for the High County Health Care System (which runs High Country Hospice), the event will also be an opportunity "to raise awareness for Hospice, educate people on all the different services we offer and raise money for patient care." Several members of Hospice staff will be on-hand to discuss their positions.

Cook said that she jumped at the opportunity once Dodson approached Hospice.

"I want people to learn about Hospice," she said. "The event will provide a laid-back atmosphere, so people can learn about Hospice and have fun at the same time." She noted that they will be holding Light up the Night from 6 to 9 p.m. so that people can eat beforehand, and that they hope to "provide something to do on a Friday night in West Jefferson." They chose to hold the event early in the Christmas season so it was "still early enough to where people are still decorating and purchasing presents."

Most important for Cook, however, is spreading the word about what Hospice does.

"We provide services to the terminally ill and their families," she said. "Not only medical services, but also social services as well. We provide services to people in the community who are grieving at no cost, which is really important at this time of the year." She added that Hospice is always in need of volunteers to help with patients and fund raising events, as well as donations for the patients.

According to Cook, this is the first attempt that has been made to hold this type of event in West Jefferson, but she "hopes to eventually have a Hospice night on the back street."

To find out more about Light up the Night for High Country Hospice, or how to get involved with Hospice, contact the High Country Health Care System at (828) 265-9443, 'Tis the Season at (336) 846-9488 or the Ashe County Hospice office at (336) 246-6443.