Santa Cruz County 19th Annual Community Assessment Project

HSCC was honored to be a sponsor of the Santa Cruz County 19th annual Community Assessment Project (CAP) yesterday.   Spearheaded by the United Way of Santa Cruz County, Dominican Hospital and Applied Survey Research, The CAP is a multi-year initiative to measure and improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz County. The study evaluates the quality of life of Santa Cruz County residents in six subject areas:  the economy, education, health, public safety, the social environment, and the natural environment.

Along with the Mayor of Watsonville Lowell Hurst, our CEO, Michael Milward was the co-emcee of the event and introduced community leaders who reported findings in  the six categories to a standing-room-only crowd at the Watsonville City Council Chamber.  The report highlighted successes and challenging issues faced by county residents in 2013.  The full report can be found viewed by visiting Santa Cruz CAP Report 2013. 

Mike also presented awards to the 18 Community Heroes who were honored for their efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents.  Will O'Sullivan from Encompass Community Service’s Community Recovery Services was one of the Community Heroes honored in the category of Public Safety.  Congratulations to Will and to all our Community Heroes!

We Honor Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, and as part of our We Honor Veterans program,  HSCC is holding pinning ceremonies with our patients to recognize and thank them for their service to our country.

HSCC’s Cathy Conway is pictured with veteran Bob Jackson, and his son Tim.  Bob served in the Army in World War II and was a medic during the Battle of the Bulge.  We thank Bob and all of our veterans who have served our country with courage and honor.

Sockshop & Shoe Company Fundraiser for Hospice

November 1-3, 2013, The Sockshop & Shoe Company “Walking with Compassion” fundraiser for Hospice of Santa Cruz County was an event not to miss, and that was proven by the hundreds that attended on Friday, November 1st.  We are happy to report that $6,040 dollars were raised in support of our programs. 

Sockshop & Shoe Company "Walking with Compassion" Fundraiser for Hospice of Santa Cruz County

At the event all four senses were stimulated by the talented sounds of the band, Wooster; the great tastes of local wines from Sante Arcangeli Family Wines, cheeses from Harley Farms Goat Dairy, fruit from New Leaf Community Markets and ice cream sampling from The Penny Ice Creamery; the wonderful sight of 24 framed and matted, original artistic photographs depicting members of our own staff who walk with compassion on a daily basis; and the sense of smell came from all the brand new leather shoes being purchased by the folks that came to support Hospice of Santa Cruz County!  

Wooster

Artwork Display from Hospice of Santa Cruz County

The Penny Ice Creamery

The generosity of the Sockshop & Shoe Company owners, Ellen and Eric Gil was an exceptional outpouring from their hearts.  This year the Gil’s donated 9% of all weekend sales from the Sockshop & Shoe Company to Hospice of Santa Cruz County. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of Kelly Short, our dear friend and HSCC co-worker who was one of the creators of this fundraiser.  Thank you Ellen and Eric for helping to make Kelly’s vision of this event become a reality.

Ellen Gil and son Hunter Gil

Photo of Kelly Short

Folks of all ages also took a special moment to reflect on their loved ones as they pinned colorful, “Walking with Compassion” memorial paper shoes on the Hospice of Santa Cruz County memorial quilt (the Comfort at Pearl Harbor quilt that was donated by the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association to HSCC as a fundraising quilt for our We Honor Veterans program).  Generous donations were provided from Socksmith, Merrell, UGG Australia, Dansko and Keen.

Comfort at Pearl Harbor Quilt

If you happened to have missed the Sockshop event there still is time to purchase your raffle tickets for the beautiful Comfort at Pearl Harbor quilt.  The lucky name will be drawn by a WWII veteran at the annual Hospice of Santa Cruz County Tree of Lights event on Sunday, December 8, 2013 (the anniversary weekend of Pearl Harbor).  To purchase raffle tickets call Adrienne Meier in development at extension 386. The raffle ticket pricing is 1 ticket for $5 and 5 tickets for $20 and you need not be present to win.