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East Pasco Hospice House Fundraising Efforts Continue

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By SHERRI LONON IN THE LOOP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

Construction on the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care is under way in Zephyrhills, but that doesn't mean fundraising efforts are complete. The nonprofit agency is about half way to its nearly $7 million goal, officials said.

Although the remaining needs are in the millions, Linda Ward, Gulfside's president and CEO, said donations of all sizes are appreciated and welcomed.

"We don't really think that any gift is too small or too big," Ward said.

Once opened, the 12-bed, 21,000-square-foot facility will serve hospice patients nearing the end of their lives. The new facility is located on Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills. It was specifically designed to not only meet the needs of patients, but also their family members. An emphasis was placed on making the common areas spacious and comfortable, Ward said.

"It won't feel like a hospice facility," she said. "We wanted something different."

To this end, the new facility will feature a cafe, awnings and will have a Tuscan-style design theme with a salon, massage therapy rooms, family rooms and a children's play area. Outside, patients and family members will find a lake, gazebo, walking paths and a therapeutic butterfly garden. The lanai doors will be large enough to accommodate patient beds.

Ward said the design of the new facility was something near and dear to her heart. When her own father was a patient at the Lafayette Hospice House in New Port Richey, she learned first-hand how vital space for family members is.

Ward said she and her six siblings practically took over the house because of the sheer size of their family. Although the staff was "wonderful," she realized the need for more accommodations for families who are trying to care for their loved ones and cope with impending death. The new facility was designed to address this.

Lisa Bricker, Gulfside's vice president of development, said there are a number of mechanisms set up to facilitate donations. Examples include income-reducing gifts under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which allows for up to $100,000 in donations that, in turn, reduce a person's taxable income; estate bequests and more. "Cash gifts are always helpful at any level," Bricker added.

So far, Ward and Bricker said fundraising efforts for the facility have been going well.

"East (Pasco) County is comprised of wonderful, wonderful residents," Ward said.

Construction on the new facility began with an Oct. 10 groundbreaking. Ward said it is hoped the $6.4 million project will be completed sometime between June and October. The facility was designed by BMK Architects and is being constructed by W.G. Mills Inc.

Gulfside was founded in 1988 and serves an estimated 400 patients a day within Pasco County. To learn more about hospice or how to help with fundraising call (727) 845-5707 or visit GRHospice.org.

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