Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

March 20, 2008 issue

Sharing the Spirit of Hope

Mountaineers and Hospice Host Spirit Night at Broyhill April 3

Story by Garrett Simmons

As head coach of Appalachian State’s Championship football team, Jerry Moore knows a thing or two about spirit. That is why he and his Mountaineers are helping raise money for the High Country Health Care System and Hospice, another organization that has continuously set the standard for spirit in the High Country.

On Thursday, April 3, Hospice and the Appalachian Mountaineers will host Spirit Night at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., players, cheerleaders, and Yosef himself will sign autographs and have their pictures taken by a professional photographer to support the nonprofit agency. Tickets for the event will be sold at the door only for $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

Janet Braithwaite, public relations and marketing director at Hospice, said Hospice is grateful to have the support of the Mountaineers for such a special event. “These two teams truly share the same spirit,” she said. “They have both inspired hope in very significant ways.”

As part of the High Country Health Care System, Hospice is dedicated to caring for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice offers around-the-clock care by registered nurses, pain and symptom management, and spiritual and bereavement support. Hospice patients are also provided with the medication and medical equipment related to their illness.

Hospice is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, but Braithwaite said the organization relies heavily on community support. “Hospice takes pride in accepting all patients, regardless of their ability to pay,” she said. “This is only possible because of the funds raised at events like Spirit Night.”

The event also marks a significant moment for members of the Appalachian football team as well. Having received their championship rings the previous Saturday, it will be the team’s first, and perhaps last, public appearance wearing the rings since the championship game on December 14.

Other events at Spirit Night will include a live auction at 7:30 for a football signed by the 2007 championship team. Several family-oriented auctions will be held for items such as horseback riding passes, fly-fishing gear and more. Championship T-shirts will be sold for $10 to $12.

All proceeds from the event will be given directly to Hospice. For more information contact Hospice at 828-265- 3926. The High Country Health Care System/Hospice office is located at 135 Furman Road, Suite #4.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Broyhill Inn and Conference Center
Cost: $5 per person/$10 for families