A Legacy of Giving: Joe Martello..............................
Meet the Board............................................................
CONTACT US
80 Garden Court, Suite 201
Monterey, CA 93940
831.333.9023
info@hospicegiving.org
Hospice Giving Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
TIN# 94-2404634
Cover Photo: Members of the Monterey County Palliative Care Collaborative. (Left to Right) Denise Mercado, Nadine Semer, MD, Dharma Naidu, PharmD, Shirley Kiatta, RN (Front Row) Nora Bianchi and Ramona Thurman
Photography by Michael Troutman, Brittney Leah Photography, Mag One Media, Central Coast Entertainment, Derrick Moore Jr., and Daniel Dreifuss
Production and Design by Chad Freeman and Marilet Pretorius
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD CHAIR
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, one thing becomes clear: people are at the heart of everything we do. End-of-life care is often described in terms of systems or services, but at its core it is deeply human. It is shaped by the kindness of clinicians, the steady presence of caregivers, the honesty of families navigating difficult decisions, and the generosity of a community that believes everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and support.
Throughout 2025, Hospice Giving Foundation focused on strengthening that human connection. With your support, we funded programs that bring care directly to patients and families, convened conversations that make room for honesty around grief and meaning, and supported professional education that helps healthcare providers serve with clarity and compassion. We also expanded community resources in both English and Spanish so more people can prepare for and talk openly about the realities of serious illness and loss.
One of the most inspiring examples of this shared commitment is the Monterey County Palliative Care Collaborative, featured on our cover. What began as a simple monthly meeting has grown into a trusted circle of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, doulas, and pharmacists who come together to learn from one another and strengthen care across our region. Their dedication reminds us that collaboration is not only practical, but also a form of care in itself.
We are also grateful for the community support shown through the 2025 MC Gives! campaign. Your generosity helped deepen our investment in the Collaborative and in hospice and palliative care programs across Monterey County. Because of you, more families will receive the clarity, comfort, and guidance they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Thank you for making this work possible. Your partnership allows us to fund, educate, and convene in ways that bring real comfort to real people, every day.
With gratitude,
Yvonne Thomas Erin White Board Chair President and CEO
(Left) Emma Zepeda (Salinas) receiving family-centered care through Coastal Kids Home Care for an ongoing complex heart condition.
(Right) Amaia Leach and Alexis, RN (Monterey) share a caring moment at home through Coastal Kids Home Care. Amaia is currently in remission.
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHTS
Across the region, Hospice Giving Foundation partners with trusted nonprofits to sustain compassionate, equitable end-of-life care. This year, we highlight three funded partners responding to complex needs—supporting children and families at home, strengthening hospital-based palliative services, and introducing innovative approaches that center dignity, presence, and peace.
Coastal Kids Home Care
Hospice Giving Foundation’s support helps sustain home-based pediatric palliative care for children with complex medical needs across Monterey and San Benito Counties. Grant funding helps close insurance gaps, ensures timely access to care, and supports bereavement groups for parents grieving the loss of a child. For families like Kelly Mata-Navarro’s, in-home nursing, social work, and comfort-focused therapies reduced hospital visits, eased stress, and strengthened family well-being—bringing healing, stability, and hope directly into the home over multiple years of treatment.
Montage Health
Hospice Giving Foundation’s grant to Montage Health supports the launch of an end-of-life doula pilot embedded within Supportive and Palliative Care Services and Hospice of the Central Coast. The initiative will provide free, personalized doula support to individuals and their families as they navigate end-of-life needs and complex care systems. During the pilot phase, the project is designed to deepen understanding of the role and value of doula support among patients, families, and healthcare teams, while strengthening compassionate, coordinated care at the end of life.
Salinas Valley Health
Hospice Giving Foundation’s grant supports operational costs for Salinas Valley Health’s Palliative and Spiritual Care Services at a critical moment, as federal funding shifts continue to place increasing strain on hospitals and healthcare systems. Built over years of innovation and thoughtful design, these services are essential to patients and families facing serious illness and end of life, yet may be vulnerable to cuts in a hospital serving high numbers of Medicare and Medicaid patients. Flexible, unrestricted support helps sustain staffing, preserve access, and ensure continuity of compassionate, whole-person care when it is needed most.
Members of the multidisciplinary team from Montage Health’s Supportive and Palliative Care program.
Team members from Hospice of the Central Coast (Montage Health) sharing time together in the office, reflecting collaboration and commitment to compassionate care.
Alzheimer’s Association
Breast Cancer Assistance Group
Central Coast VNA and Hospice
Coastal Kids Home Care
Hospice of Santa Cruz County
Jacob’s Heart
Jerry Rubin Foundation
Legal Services for Seniors
Montage Health Foundation
Natividad Medical Foundation
Partnership for Children
Salinas Valley Health Foundation
$30,000
$10,000
$200,000
$100,000
$40,000
$115,000
$75,000
$20,000
$100,000
$85,000
$140,000
$220,000
Caring well for people at the end of life takes more than medical expertise. It requires time, presence, cultural understanding, and a network of support that extends beyond any single organization.
2025 ANNUAL GRANTS PROGRAM
End-of-life care does not happen in isolation. It unfolds across hospital rooms, family homes, and community spaces—requiring many hands, disciplines, and moments of trust. HG Foundation exists to help knit these efforts together, ensuring that individuals and families receive care that is coordinated, compassionate, and responsive. In the 2025 annual grant cycle, HG Foundation awarded $1,135,000 to 12 agencies serving Monterey, San Benito, and southern Santa Cruz Counties. These grants support a continuum of care that includes hospice and palliative services, pediatric support, caregiver assistance, grief care, spiritual support and basic needs. Funded partners— highlighted in the chart to the left—strengthen care across settings and communities, responding to diverse and complex needs throughout the region.
Together with our grantees, Hospice Giving Foundation is helping build a system of care that meets people where they are—especially at end of life, when stability, dignity, and human connection matter most.
THE SIOBHAN GREENE CARE AND DIGNITY FUND
The Siobhan Greene Care and Dignity Fund provides rapid, flexible assistance to families facing urgent end-of-life needs. In 2025, grants helped cover funeral and cremation costs, short-term living and travel expenses, and grief support— ensuring dignity, stability, and compassionate care during moments of profound loss, particularly for individuals and families with limited financial resources.
SIOBHAN GREENE CARE & DIGNITY FUND
$7,500 to 1440 Multiversity/Love Mama Grief Retreat
$7,000 to CASA of Monterey County
$4,900 to Coastal Kids Home Care (2 awards)
$1,700 to Finding Sophia
$1,283 to Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
$300 to Coastal Kids Home Care
$5,000 to Cypress Community Church
$500 to Jerry’s Place
$10,000 to Youth Recovery Connections (Hollister)
IN ADDITION, TWO SPECIAL GRANTS WERE AWARDED IN 2025
$15,347 to Jerry’s Place
Sustainability support (donor-restricted gift)
$5,000 to Gleanings Foundation
Underwriting for The Last Ecstatic Days film broadcast on PBS
$1,193,530
TOTAL FUNDING AWARDED IN 2025 including
$1,135,000 Annual Grants Program
$38,183 Siobhan Greene Care and Dignity Fund
$20,347 Special Grants
FINANCIALS
Hospice Giving Foundation continues to strengthen its financial foundation, ensuring families across Monterey and San Benito counties have access to compassionate and dignified end-of-life care. This year, our Monterey County Gives! campaign, focused on supporting healthcare heroes, set a goal of $100,000. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we surpassed that target—a significant increase from our historical average of $60,000 to $70,000.
This milestone reflects a deliberate strategy. In 2024, we took an ambitious approach that resulted in a record-breaking $351,510, making our campaign one of the top funds in Monterey County. That bold effort laid the groundwork for sustainable campaigns in the years ahead, allowing us to maintain strong donor engagement and confidently aim for $100,000 or more each year.
2025 also marked the formal launch of our major donor program, a focused effort to strengthen relationships with key supporters. Our philanthropy team was assigned a group of donors, ensuring consistent engagement, personalized stewardship, and meaningful connection. This program helps us nurture long-term support that directly impacts our ability to expand granting services, culturally responsive workshops, and palliative care resources for families in need.
Together with careful stewardship and diverse revenue streams, including fundraising events, grants, bequests, and endowment contributions, these efforts reinforce our overall financial stability. Each initiative demonstrates that Hospice Giving Foundation is achieving its goals while thoughtfully planning for a strong, sustainable future, ensuring comfort, care, and dignity remain accessible to every community member who needs it.
The Board of Directors appoints an Investment Advisory Committee and receives professional guidance from Verus Investments to strategically invest and manage donor funds. Together they set policies and develop long-term growth tactics to generate the greatest impact while remaining aligned with the mission and vision of Hospice Giving Foundation.
REPORT FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
For questions about the Foundation’s financial position, please contact Erin White, President and CEO, at (831) 333-9023 Recent Audited Financial Statements and IRS Form 990 are available on our website: hospicegiving.org
FASHION & COMPASSION
Fashion & Compassion returned on August 26, 2025, as Hospice Giving Foundation gathered friends, supporters, and community partners at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club for an afternoon of fashion, connection, and giving. Designed as a celebration of style with purpose, the event brought our community together in support of our mission and philanthropic efforts to ensure compassionate, dignified end-of-life care for all.
In collaboration with Debra C, a beloved boutique in Carmel, Fashion & Compassion brought thoughtfully curated fashion to the peninsula, with our own friends and supporters stepping onto the runway. Their participation reflected the spirit of the event, rooted in community, generosity, and shared commitment to making a difference.
Guests enjoyed an exciting raffle featuring high-end items, including diamond necklaces, spa and clothing certificates, and luxury hotel stays at local destinations. Throughout the afternoon, moments of fun and celebration were balanced with meaningful opportunities to give, creating an experience that felt both joyful and purposeful.
Thanks to the generosity of those who attended and supported Fashion & Compassion, Hospice Giving Foundation raised more than $160,000. These funds will directly support our hospice and palliative care providers and advance our mission to ensure that individuals and families across our community can experience comfort, dignity, and compassionate care at the end of life.
Sponsors: Janine and Joe Martello, Julie Capili and David Glickman, Carmel Gives, Honest Engine Films, Nanci Markey, Scudder Roofing Company, Stella Rosendin, Carrie Baumgart, West Coast Community Bank, Susan and David Gill, Jane Emison and Carol Whitfield, Berlin Communications, Peggy’s Home Care
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 DONORS
Thank you to all who made a gift between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. We appreciate your generosity and support. Donors listed in bold are members of our Silver Society and have made annual contributions for at least ten years consecutively.
$25,000+
Anonymous
Estate of Maitland & Elizabeth Armstrong
Estate of Julia Christensen
Harden Foundation
Hayward Family Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Ruth Ann Rosenberg
Estate of James R. Valentine, PhD
$10,000 to $24,999.99
Estate of Geri Allison
Jean Duff
Marsha McMahan Zelus *
Vicki & Gordon Rosenberg
Tanimura Family Foundation
The Talbott Family Foundation
$5,000 to $9,999.99
Pinney Allen & Charles C. Miller, III
Tonya Antle
Julie Capili & David Glickman * Community Foundation for Monterey County
Sandra & Carl DeLay-Magnuson
Dobbins Family Foundation
Nancy & William Doolittle *
Maryann Dunn
Sharon & Gordon Fellows
Leslie & Jeff Gould
Honest Engine Films
Keith Hudson
Jennifer Knowles
Shelly & Dan Lynch
Janine & Joe Martello
Montage Health Foundation
Sue Pius
Estate of William Newman Reno
Rita and Luis Echenique Charitable Foundation
Margaret Ryan
Salinas Valley Health Foundation
Tina Sammut
Mar & Robert Seidel *
Stefanie & Robert Skinner
Toshia & Clark Struve
$1,000 to $4,999.99
Jeryl & Ronald Abelmann
Joan Aldrich
Eric Andresen *
Suzanne & Geoffrey Ashton
Velma & Ted Balestreri
Sister Claire Barone
Adrienne & Neil Bassetti
Carrie & Chris Baumgart *
Karen Beeler Nichols
Pam Bengard
Estate of Nancy P. Benham
Annie Berlin *
Lucia & Michael Boggiatto
Patricia & Mark Boitano
Mary Bristow *
Incy Brooks *
Chris & Fred Brown
Cannery Row Company
Nancy & Michael Canning
Carmel Host Lions Foundation
Patricia Charles
Mary Colburn *
Barbara & Joseph Collins *
Miera & Geoffrey Couch
Joanne Colombo Crist
Mary Danna
D'Arrigo Bros. Company of CA
Kimberly & Jeff DiBenedetto *
Rayne Techonology Solutions
Edwin E. and Ruby C.
Morgan Foundation
Jane L. Emison
Ronda & Gordon Eubanks
Evelyn Evans
Catherine & Bill Faber
Family Service Agency of the CC
Donors listed with a * have made a gift supporting Hospice Giving Foundation through the 2025 Monterey County Gives! Campaign.
Maria C. Fetherstonhaugh
Paul Finnegan
Tom Fitts
Valerie & David Ghio *
Susan & David Gill
Sheila & Gregory Gilmore
Becky & Francis Giudici
Myra & Drew Goodman
Sarah & Jack Grandcolas
Siobhan M. Greene & Joseph B. Greene, MD *
Mary & Stefan Gunn *
Thomas Hall, Jr
Hartnell College Foundation
Jennifer Hulseman *
Goshka & John A. Hausdorff, MD
Peggy & Glen Heffington
Greg Hendrix
Hospice of Santa Cruz County
Cynthia B. House *
Jamie & Dan Huber
Terry Huggins & Steve Filson
Susan Galvin & Michael Leavy *
Estate of Ward D. and Mary T. Ingrim
Integris Wealth Management *
Therese M. Johnson
Deborah Kane
Janice Kolbe
Jean Lovell *
Mag One Media
Nanci L. Markey
Betsy McBride
Nicki & Michael McMahan *
Sharon & Stanley Meresman
Vicki Mitchell
Erik Lua & Derrick Moore Jr. *
Christina & Philip Moreau *
Darlene & David Mosley
Dawn Mudge, MD & Alan Radner, MD
Kim & Scott Negri
Eileen Nelson & Hugh Franks
Joanne Nissen
Anne Orlando
Brenda Orr
Pacific Ag Rental LLC
Lynn & Charles Parsons
Pebbles Gives
Peggy's Home Care
Mara & Robert Perkins
Valentia Piccinini
Pinnacle Bank
Kelly Poundstone
RBC Wealth Management
Sue & Brent Redmond
Mary Riedel
Stella Rosendin
Melissa & Shawn Rozsa
Scudder Roofing
Mary F. Simon *
Soledad Community Health Care District
Shirley Steele
Sara Steiner
Stephen Story, MD
Joanne M. Storkan
Sue Storm
Synchronicity Holistic
Joanne Taylor
Twyla & Ralph W. Thompson, III
Darleen & Rolf Trautsch
Joey Vaudagna
Gail & James Vernon
Verus Advisory, Inc.
Mary & Martin Vonnegut
West Coast Community Bank
Gabriele & J. R. Williams
Barbara & Gary Wipfler
Susan & David Wirshup
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop
Murray Yeomans
Gifts up to $999.99
A.W. Johnson & Son
Jenny & Asaad Abdelmalek *
Stacey Ackerman, MD
Jacquie Adams
Deanna Adolph
Janet Agnew
Elizabeth K. Albov
Betty Alcantara
Amy Alcott
Toni & John Aliotti
Marissa & Nicholas Aliotti
Rachel & Paul Aliotti
Sheila & David Alaire
Jim Allsup
Reggie & Frank Amato
Marla & Frederick Anderson *
Scott Anderson
Anonymous
Mary Lou & Ernest Andrade
Constance Andrews
Kathryn & Dana Annereau
James Annesi, PhD
Aspire Health
Diane M. Ausonio
Maia Avila
Arthur Babcock, PhD
Susan & Jon Baker
Jennifer & Ron Balducci
Kathleen & Glenn Balke
Britta Ballerini, RN
Maxine Balma *
Jeanne Balza
Edwin Baptista
Kimberly Barber *
Carol & Mike Barker
Lisa A. Baron
Margi & Ed Barrios
Dolores & Rodney Bartsch
Anita M. Bassetti
Diane Bassetti-Schmidt
Audrey Bates *
Susan Bauer
Mary Begtrup
Jane Bell
Kimble Bell
Paul A. Bender
Marian T. Bennett
Judy & Robert Berglass *
Sandy & Brian Berris
Mary Beth Orser
Sheila & Ronald Bettencourt
Joanne M. Bevilacqua
Nora Bianchi
Cheri Bianchini
Edith Yvonne Birch
Alex Black *
Margot Black *
Barbara Blackstock
Rick Blackwell
Karen Blasquez
Heather Bomarito
Judith & Richard Borda
Nan Borreson
Susan Bowers
Patricia F. Boyle
Valerie & Stanley Braga
Wendell Breithaupt
Teri Breschini *
Patricia A. Brimie
Linda Brockman
Elizabeth Brown
Sandra L. Bruno
Daniela Bryan *
Kathey Burcar & Todd Olson
Anne Hannon Burleigh
Sandra & Frederick Burnham
Jeff A. Burnip
Pamela Butler
Cristofer Cabanillas
Phyllis D. Cabrera
Judith & Larry Cain
Mary Ann & Robert Cain
Rose & Sal Cala
Diane Camba Jackman & Charlie Jackman *
Cherie Campbell & David Goldschmidt *
Elizabeth & Gordon Campbell
Jessica Canning
Gayle & Claudio Cantore
Patricia & Wayne Capili
Joseph Capizzi
Patricia Caraccioli
Susan & Arthur Carbonel
Carmel Realty Foundation *
Mindy Carpenter
Diana Case Gurtin *
Carol M. Catalano
Florence & Turie Cavaliere
Mary Lenahan Cea
Central Coast Senior Services
Susan Cerney
Wayne Chapman
Zosia Chciuk
Maureen A. Chodosh
Edward Claessen
Ranjana & Michael Clark *
Laurie & Doug Classen
Ms. Susan A. Clements
Cynthia & Ray Clower
Noelle & Rory Coetzee *
Cathleen Sonoda Cohen & Martin Cohen, MD
Pamela Collins
Community Health Charities
Gail N. Cooper
Judith & Gary Coppetti
DONORS (continued)
Kerri & David Costa
Nadine Costa
Judy Craig
Kimbley Craig & Bobby Roberts
Mackay Crampton
Sharon L. Crescente
Joanne & Ralph Cristofano
Rachel Crivello
Nancy Croom
Nancy N. Crow
Linda & Wayne Cruzan
Patty Cullen
Alvina Currall
Kristin & Erik Cushman *
Bella & Bert Cutino *
Belinda Daguio
Donna & Robert Daunt
Anna M. Davis
Anthony G. Davi Sr.
Laura Davis
Sarah Sutton Deakin
Lillian Dean
Robin Defilippi, LPCC
Mary Delfino
Louie Diaz-Infante *
Edward H. Dickie
Dorothy M. Dickson *
Catherine B. DiMaggio
Liz Dini
Lauretta H. Dirickson
Paula A. Donohue
Ruth Donohugh
Patricia Doran
Hallie Mitchell Dow *
Diane Downey
Elizabeth & Wayne Downey
Brooke Doyle
Jane Driscoll, RN
Nadine Zarat Dubrin
Nancy & John Durein *
Annita Dunsay, PSYD
Rosanna Karen Dusek
Sharon Dwight
Deborah Dye
Maria T. Eagan, DC
Tara Edria
Sandra & David Eklund
Teri English, MD & Jack English, MD
Jose Enriquez
Cpt. Eugene J. Erner
Dorothy & Miguel Errea
Erandi & Tony Escareño
Chris Essert
Shelly & John Etter
Kendra Evans
Lyn Evans
Robert Evans *
Patricia Everett
Christine Factor *
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast
Patricia Fashing
Holly Fassett
Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Fate
Gina Favaloro
John Favazza
Josephine Favazza
Philayna & John Favero *
Phyllis Faxon
Bryan Fellin
Antoinette E. Ferrante
Merilyn Ferrara
Kathy Ferrasci
Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis & Nicholas Fettis
Sarah Filly
Maria Finegan *
Jean Fitzpatrick
Lynette Fletcher
Esmeralda Flores
Suzanne Folk
Michael A. Forbes
Stacy L. Forgy
Susan Foster
Mary Jo Franco
Renee Franken *
Mary Frazier
Eva Frieberg
Gwenn Frindt
Carol L Fuessenich
Reneé & Jim Fuqua
Barbara Furtado
The Gabriel Family
Mary R. Gale
DiAnna L. Gamecho
Marjorie Garabedian
Jenny Garmendia
Kathy Gates *
Frances Gaver
Linda Gibson
Bonnie B. Gillooly
Linda & Allen Gin
Julie & Ralph Gin
Patrice R. Glover
Jan & Michael Glynn
Plumeria Gomes, RN
Marilyn J. Gorman
Gay Goss, NP
Patricia Gotch
Linda Gould
Rosanne Gould *
Patricia Grace
Debra Graham
Cathy Green
Deborah & Jeffrey Greenberg
Thomas Greer
Dorothy Griffin
Doreen & Tony Groff
Annette Groves
Maria Groza
Paula & Jim Guidotti
Lorene Guidotti
Elizabeth Guitard
Rae & Kirk Gularte
Ruthanne & Jim Guy
Barbara & Vinzenz Hake
Stephanie & Rev. Luke Ham
Laura Hamill *
Louise Hammel
Christine Handle & Marc Bordonaro
Julianne & James Hansen
Margaret Hansen
Monika Hardy, PharmD
Kay Harmon
Vicki Hart
Caroline Haskell
Janice & Jeff Hawkins *
Bernice N. Hearn
Laurie & Ed Heinz
Grete Heinz
Ingeborg S. Henderson
Peggy Heneks
Terry F. Herleman
Bonnie & Miguel Hernandez
James M. Hilden
Joan & Gene Hill
Mirna Hills
Sarah Hills & Phil DeCocco
Charles T. Hitchcock
Claudette & Michael Hitchcock
Sylvia Hoang
Yadira Hobby
Sun Shine & Matthew Hohman *
Dianna G. Holder
Carol Lee Holland *
Lisa Hollo
Leslie & Jerry Horn
Joyce & Vernon Horton
Millie & Robert House
Julie Howe
Phyllis Hubbard
Kathy & Danny Huff
Kathleen Huggins
Gail Hurvits & Jerry Newton
Becky Husted & Joe Locatelli
LuAnn Meador Hutchinson
M. L. Hutchinson
Andrea & Tim Indart
Michael Craig Isakson
Nicholas G. Itsines, PhD
Carol & David Jackson *
Cristina U. Jacoban
Peter Jacobsen
Barbara M. Jamison
Rae & Robert Janzen
Michele Jayson
Efrain Jimenez
Mary D. Johnson
Ruth E. Johnson
Johnson Associates
Donna Johnston *
Jackie Jones
Kathryn Jonzzon
Susan & Stephan Jordan *
Lucille A. Jose
Karem Judkins *
Yoe Kageyama
Kathleen M. Kahn
Karen & Scott Katz *
Denise Kaku
Sandra Kandell
Carolyn Keeley & Patrick Keeley, DMD
Germaine Keim
Margot Kelley
Woodrow Kelley
Kevin Kelly
James Kendall
Shirley & Tom Kiatta
Victor M. Kimura
Alice Kinsler & Shelly Schacter *
Peggy Kirton
Pamela K. Klaumann
Debra & Thomas Klotz
Mark Knox
Kikor Kocek
Jean & Glen Koehl
Robert Kollar
Anna Konyukova
Christa Korp
Anita & James Kowalski
Jocelyn Kristy
Sadie Kvenild
Teresa Lacsina
Ellen R. Ladd
Julie Lambert *
Louetta J. Langley
Liz Larroque
Bev & Al Larsen
Gail Larsen *
Katie Layman & Stuart Chandler
Rebecca & Robert Leidig
Sybil-Frances Levin
Patricia S. Liddle
Anna M. Linden, RN
Vickie & James Linder
Jane Bauer Little
Matthew Little *
Zooey Lober
Linda Locatelli
Penelope K. Lockhart
Katie Anne Loftus
Maria Lourdes Lopez
Charles E. Lord
Sandy Lotz-Weiner
Siu Lan Low & Jack Low
Joyce Lowe *
Steven Lua
Ron E. Ludes
Linda L. Lyford
Paula MacAlpine
Darcy Maciel
CELEBRATING BILL TEBBE
Hospice Giving Foundation was thrilled to honor Bill Tebbe as the agency honoree at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on November 14. Bill joined the Hospice Giving Foundation Board in 2013 and now serves as Director Emeritus, offering invaluable insights on the Governance, Investment Advisory, and Audit Committees and as former Board Chair and Treasurer.
Erin White, President and CEO, shared the following in nominating Bill for the award: “For twelve years, Bill Tebbe has been a steady presence for Hospice Giving Foundation, always willing to lend an ear or open a door. As an Emeritus member of the Board of Directors, he guides with wisdom, generosity, and calm. Thank you for being by our side, Bill—advisor, volunteer, donor, and friend.”
Bill Tebbe at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon with wife, Annette, daughter, Jill, and son-in-law, Greg.
Anne Madden
Rose Marie Maddix
Jerry Rubin Foundation for Cancer Care
Ernie Maggini
Patricia Mahoney & Marlene Tise *
Sharon & Frank Malvoso
Tobi Marcus *
Jeanne & Steve Marino
Sheila & Joseph Mark
Joan & Cliff Markham
Judith Marshall
Mary & Greg Martin
Anna Marie & James Martin
Essie & Kevin Martin
Maren Martin, LCSW
Marlene Martin
Patricia Martin
Sandra & Marcos Martinez
Leslie & Kearney Martins
Agata Maslowska *
Viviana & Kyle Massa
Camilla & Tom May
Elizabeth Mazik *
Michele Noble McCain & Richard McCain *
Barbara K. McCardle
Dorothy M. McDermott
Valerie V. McDonough
Janet & Devin McGilloway
Ninfa McGowan
Rosie McHale
Dana McKellar
Anita & Edwin McKean *
Lindsey Meikle
Jeanne & Steven Merrell
Mexico Consulado
General en San José
Mary & Doug Miller
Janice B. Miller
Kelley Miller
Mikel Ann & Lynn Miller
Joan & Joseph Minafo
Mission Trail Lions of Carmel
Agnes Mitchell
Sheri Mitchell
Risa Miyagawa
Sheila R. Molinari
Amy Monge-Rianda & Jeffrey Rianda
Kathleen L. Moon
Jean & Alfred Moore
Lesley & Danny Morgan
Marsha Moroh & Ken Wanderman *
Penny Morris
Valerie Moule *
Yvonne Mraule
Karen Murray
Shirley Strachan Murray
John E. Mutty
Deanna Myers *
Roberta Myers
Ann & Arvid Myhre
Jeanne F. Nakagawa
David H. Naslund
Natividad Medical Foundation
Anne Naulls
Helen M. Neal
Judith & Steven Nejasmich *
Laura C. Newmark
Onorina Nichols
Patricia A. Nickerson
Dianne Nielson
Sheriff Tina Nieto & Cheryl Kent *
Karma J. Nilsen
Suzan & Morgan Nishiguchi
Dillan Noel
Charlotte Noyes
Deborah A. Nucci
John L. Nunes
Kathy & Wendell Nuss
Saori Nystrom
John O'Brien *
Catherine O'Brien *
Julie & William Obering
Marsha Oka-Holmes
Jane Okuma
Kristina Olfson, NP & James Wayman
Margaret & Thomas Oliver
Sylvia & David Omoto
Rosemary O'Rourke
James Orradre
Debbie & Doug Otmar
Loreen Ozaki & Christopher Laing
Beverly Palma & Gary D. Palma, DDS
The Honorable Carrie Panetta & The Honorable Jimmy Panetta *
Sylvia Panetta & The Honorable Leon Panetta
Barbara & Richard Parejo
Lori & Curt Parker *
Shirley Parker & Jerry Parker, MD
Barbara Parrish
Anna & Rich Patterson
Sharilyn Payne
PayPal Giving Fund
Sharon & Thomas Pelino
Margaret Pemberton
George H. Penn, MD
Lanette Penna
Maria T. Penner
Jennifer Piert
Shirley Piffero
Denise Phipps-Craig *
Laurrie & Graham Pike *
Kathleen & Frank L. Pinney, III *
Victoria & Robert Pitman
John D. Pletta
Peggy & Mike Polosky
Catherine B. Poma
Jeanne L. Pompey
Phillip Post
Patricia Powell *
Nancy Powers
Printworks Solutions
Beverly Pugh
Patricia & Curtis Quinones
Katy Rafeedie
Joan M. Randolph
Jean Rasch & Bill Clancy
Janet Redding
Debbie Reinstedt
Mr. and Mrs. Roland E. Rende
Diego Reyes
Anne M. Rianda
Eva Richards
Susan Ricketson
Donald R. Riehl
Jean C. Rigg
Connie Riley, MA & Blake Riley
Shelley & Richard Risko *
Myrna & Bernardo Rivera
Joseph L. Robello
Barbara & Brian Robinson
Cynthia V. Robison
Rose & Alvin Rogers
Hannah Rogge & Miguel Silva *
Annah Rolland
Steven F. Romberg
Kathy M. Roper
Kim Rosen
Shirley & Lee Rosen *
Berenice Rosillo
Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific
Marilyn Rover
Rosemary & Tom Rowley
Anna Jones Rubrecht
Wendy Rudofker
Kyle & Michael Ruggieri *
Anne & Jim Rurka
Jim & Kathy Russo
The Saccone Family *
Gena & Rik Sagin
Paula Samarron
Eugene C. Sanchez
Kathleen & Michael Scarr *
Elizabeth & Robert Schaefer *
Donna G. Schaffer
Martha & James Schaffer *
Carolyn Schanzer
Eileen & Steven Schloss
Kathryn Schmeiser
Alan Schroeder
Carolyn Schwarz
Karin & Fred Schwoerke
Diane Sedlock
Nadine Semer, MD
Mary J. Sherman
Lonna & John Sherwin
Isabel & James Shillinglaw
Beatriz & Steven Shudoma
Susan & Jonathan Siegel *
Joelle Silveira
Melva Simmons *
Sherlyn Simmons & Steven Robinson *
Patricia & Victor Simone
Francesca & Mike Singh
Lu Deene Slye
Gary Smith *
Linda D. Smith
Nancy & Brian Smith
Sue & Gene Snuggs
Linda M. Snyder
Kathy Somerton
Liesl Songer Nelson & Thomas Nelson *
Denise Spisak
Margaret Spring & Mark Bunter *
Donelle Squires
Brett Staples
Sharque Starr
Christina & Frank Starry
Karen & Jack Steadman
Jane A. Stile
Faith B. Stoddard
Karen & Gary Stotz *
Martha A. Stroud
Nicholas Sturch *
Liz & Bob Sugar
Barbara Sullivan & Ray Rasul
Rita Summers *
Taye & Robert Suzuki
Shizuko Tanaka
Alice Tao *
Linda & Bruce Taylor
June L. Taylor
Teamsters Local Union No. 853
Annette & Bill Tebbe *
Cath Tendler & Jan Valencia *
Care Terkelson, EdD *
Brenda Thomas
Yvonne Thomas *
Jill Thompson
Judy Thompson *
Lauren Thomsen
David Thomson
Gail M. Thorne
Hilda A. Thorne
Marilyn & William Timoney
Thouria Toma
Eileen Topete
Avelina Torres
Catherine & David Truesdell *
Joan & Sam Trust
Claudia J. Tucker
Sunny Underwood, PhD
Gayle Uyeda
Diane & Robert Uyeda
Kathleen S. Ventimiglia
Megan Vera
Carol & Craig Vetter *
David Villareal
Susan & Michael Vindhurst
Florence B. von Platen
Frank Vowles
Rosann & David Wachtel *
Wendy & Bartley Walker
Detra Walker
Gabrielle Walters
Jeanette Walton
Barbara Ward
Jane Warren & Gerald Quinnell *
Lexann Warren
Anne M. Washburn
Michaelin & David Watts
Ruthie Watts
Angela Weigel
Bruce Weingarten
Joyce Weismann
Sandra Wheaton
Laurie Wheeler
Barbara White
Erin White
Sandra White
Jill & Nels Wiegand
Joan & Gary Williams
Demie & Rob Williams
Sara L. Williams
Judy & Les Willis
Nancy O. Willoughby
Judith Wills & Thomas Wills
Lydia & Mark Wilson
Debbie & Mitchel Winick *
Bonnie J. Wolfe
Brian Wong, MD
Edward Wong
Deanna Woodhour *
Carla Wright
Mary Wright
Velda & Myron Wyckoff
Vicki Yates
Sandra Zappelli
Lucy & Rick Ziel
Lynn & Jay Zwagerman
2025 HERMANN-WESTLAND LEGACY SOCIETY
The Westland-Hermann Legacy Society honors those individuals who have chosen to provide support by naming Hospice Giving Foundation in their estate plans. Members of the Society have committed to creating a lasting impact through bequests and life income gifts.
LEGACY SOCIETY
Anonymous
William Balloun
James N. Bennett
Joan Bernardin
James Booth
Karen & Bert Boothroyd
Sherry Brient
Jeanne DeVaughn
Hallie Mitchell Dow
Jean Duff
Ann Dusenbury
Shary Farr & The Honorable Sam Farr
John W. Frederiksen
Julie Capili & David Glickman
Siobhan M. Greene
& Joseph Greene, MD
Kim Hadden
Esther N. Haskins
David Hawley
Roberta Legg
Merrill Leslie
Tammy & John Lewis
Jean Lovell
Vicki & John MacDonald
Susan Mushkin
Spencer W. Myers, Jr., MD
Suzanne Seay
Sandra & Russell Seeger
Mar & Robert Seidel
Jean Seput
Richard A. Stewart
Joyce & Richard Thau
Suzanne Zellner
Madelon Zimner
LEGACY SOCIETY REALIZED
Anonymous
Geri Allison
Beverley A. Ambort
William Balloun
Carolyn C. "Sally" Barnes
Bethany Ann Beckman
Nancy P. Benham
Leon Bernstein
Joan Bizzozero
Barbara Bloom
Verle Bogue
Elma C. "Millie" Brown
Robert W. Campbell
Ann Alison Cathro
Marie F. Chaney
Julia Christensen
Maureen Cowie
Sharon M. Damon
Madeleine Dowdakin
Heather Downs
Mary Louise Dyer
Richard Earl
Abbie T. Eldredge
Irma Eriksson
Conway & Norma Esselstyn
William Flaherty
Margaret R. Frank
Monica M. Freeder
Hildegard Grill
Fred M. Guild, Jr.
Barbara & William Hyland
James W. & Lulu M. Hochberger
Peter T. Hoss
Ward D. & Mary T. Ingrim
Emilie T. Koontz
Erling Lagerholm
Eleanor Leheney
Carol A. Leino
Fiorella Ljunggren
Elmo Victor Costello & Dorothea Frances Costello
Willis Ludemann
Gwendolyn R. May
Michael & Audrey A. McCarthy
Andrew McConnell
Marian Ross Mizelle & Elliot Mizelle
Elizabeth G. Nelson
Bruna Odello
Barbara R. Osorio
Ellis & Gwendoline Parker
Alan & Jean Pedersen
Karen Y. Redding
William Reno
Lillian Rubens
Alice Teresa Bracken Schruben
Panice Schruben
Annemarie Shein
Estate of Norubu & Jane Shigemasa
Margaret Shipley
Albert G. Simpson, Jr.
Elliott Sobel
Eva L. Sorey
Arthur & Julia Soroken
Donald & Francine Stauffer
Vincent & Evelyn Torras
Charlotte Fulton Townsend
Dr. James Valentine
Julia Viarengo
Wanda & Harold Wake
Betty Haywood Watt
Nancy Wright
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – DEBBIE KANE
Debbie Kane has quickly become one of our most enthusiastic supporters since joining us in 2022. She celebrated her birthday at Fashion and Compassion, bringing her group of girlfriends who added energy and joy to the event. She even won the big raffle prize, a stunning diamond necklace! We are so grateful for her generosity, enthusiasm, and the positive spirit she brings to our community.
2025 CHAMPIONS OF HOPE
The Champions listed below make recurring gifts to support Hospice Giving Foundation. Learn more or become a Champion of Hope at hospicegiving.org/champions.
Anonymous
Jennifer & Ron Balducci
Adrienne & Neil Bassetti
Helene & Larry Daniels
Molly DeFont, RN
Kim & Jeff DiBenedetto
Plumeria Gomes, RN
Siobhan M. Greene & Joseph Greene, MD
Mary & Stephan Gunn
Thomas Hall, Jr.
Stephanie Ham & Rev. Luke Ham
Sarah Hills & Phil DeCocco
Diane Camba Jackman & Charlie Jackman
Zooey Lober
Sandy Lotz-Weiner
Erik Lua & Derrick Moore Jr.
Jeanne & Steve Merrell
Anna & Rich Patterson
George H. Penn, MD
Rose & Alvin Rogers
Saccone Family
Isabel & James Shillinglaw
Joanne Taylor
Twyla & Ralph W. Thompson, III
Dr. Sunny Underwood
Erin White
Brian Wong, MD
2025 CHAMBERED NAUTILUS ENDOWMENT FUND
We recognize the following permanent endowments with Hospice Giving Foundation.
Susan Bacon Fund
Hospice Giving Foundation Board of Directors Fund
Mary Wolf Rolfing Bogue Fund
Sharon M. Damon Fund
James & Jean Duff Fund
Warren & Judy Field Fund
Taylor Fithian Family Foundation Fund
Friends of Hospice Fund – Patient Care
Louis & Ruth Huntington Fund – Patient Care at Westland House
Lise Jensen Fund
Richard Kudrna Fund
Ruth E. Lisle Fund
David F.C. Stein Fund
Helen Westland Fund
FOUNDATION AND DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
The following Foundations have made generous gifts to Hospice Giving Foundation through direct contributions or through grants made by donor-advised funds.
American Endowment Foundation
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Carmel By-The-Sea Rotary
Carmel Host Lions Foundation
Carmel Gives
Community Foundation of Central Illinois Community Foundation for Monterey County
Community Foundation for San Benito County
Community Health Charities
DAF Giving 360
Dobbins Family Foundation
Eagan Family Foundation
Edwin E. & Ruby C. Morgan Foundation
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Give Lively
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
Harden Foundation
Hartnell College Foundation
Nancy Eccles & Homer Hayward Family Foundation
Jerry Rubin Foundation for Cancer Care
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
Montage Health Foundation
Monterey County Gives!
Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Morgan Stanley GIFT Fund
National Philanthropy Trust
Natividad Medical Foundation
PayPal Giving Fund
RBC Wealth Management
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Salinas Valley Health
Tahoe Community Foundation
The Talbott Family Foundation
Tanimura Family Foundtion
Vanguard Charitable
GRATITUDE LUNCHEON
Hospice Giving Foundation’s annual Gratitude Luncheon is a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our heartfelt appreciation to the supporters who make our work possible. In 2025, we were honored to gather with members of our Legacy Society, Silver Society, Champions of Hope monthly donors, and generous community members whose philanthropy continues to advance comfort, dignity, and understanding at the end of life.
The luncheon featured a powerful keynote presentation by Alua Arthur, nationally acclaimed death doula, recovering attorney, and founder of Going with Grace. Through her thoughtful and compassionate presence, Alua invited guests into an honest and deeply human conversation about life, death, and what it means to live with intention. Her reflections encouraged attendees to consider how peace, presence, and grace can shape both how we live and how we care for others at life’s end.
We are also grateful to Dr. John Hausdorff, who joined Alua on stage to facilitate a thoughtful and engaging Q&A with our guests. His presence helped deepen the conversation, creating space for meaningful dialogue and shared reflection.
More than a gathering, the Gratitude Luncheon serves as a moment of connection, honoring the impact of generosity, the strength of community, and the shared commitment to compassionate care. We are profoundly grateful to each supporter who joined us and whose belief in our mission continues to touch countless lives across our community.
Sponsors: Synchronicity Holistic, Rayne Technology Solutions, and Verus Advisory, Inc.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
In 2025, Hospice Giving Foundation continued to normalize conversations about end-of-life care through culturally relevant education and resources in our diverse county. The programs honored differences in language, culture, faith, and family traditions, making essential information accessible to all.
The workshops, curated by Erandi Escareño, Director of Community Outreach and Education, cover Starting the Conversation, Advance Care Planning, Caring for Aging Parents, Estate Planning, Supporting Caregivers, Medical Decision-Making, and Grief Support. Each session features expert speakers, many of whom are community partners and grantees deeply committed to addressing this often uncomfortable, but essential, need in the community.
Some of the highlights of the year included Healing and Moving Through Grief During the Holidays workshop at The Carmel Foundation, which welcomed 37 individuals seeking guidance and comfort during the season.
We also advanced our work with Juntos con Esperanza, a collaborative promoting quality end-of-life care for Latinx communities in South Monterey County. Facilitated by Hospice Giving Foundation, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, CCVNA, Coastal Kids Home Care, Del Mar Caregiver Centers, Hospice of the Central Coast, and Legal Services for Seniors, the collaborative presented its first workshop at Holy Trinity Church in Greenfield, successfully engaging 40 Spanish-speaking participants about the importance of starting the conversation to be better prepared to honor the wishes of our loved ones with a serious illness or at end of life.
Through these efforts, Hospice Giving Foundation empowered individuals and families to make informed decisions, honor personal and cultural values, and engage in meaningful conversations—fostering a present, connected and prepared community.
Sunny Underwood offers guided meditation during the Healing and Moving Through Grief During the Holidays workshop at The Carmel Foundation, creating space for reflection and healing.
Elsa Malispina, CCVNA, answers questions about advanced health care directives during a workshop at Holy Trinity Church in Greenfield, California.
Planning for end-of-life can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to feel confident and prepared. This year, Hospice Giving Foundation partnered with Legal Services for Seniors to offer a Spanish-language workshop at Madonna del Sasso Parish in Salinas, helping families organize key information and plan for peace of mind.
Vicky Canepa, Legal Advocate & Outreach Coordinator, co-led the workshop, guiding participants through estate planning essentials, including wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and charitable giving. During the Q&A session, participants were highly engaged, highlighting challenges Latino families often face in estate planning.
We spoke with Vicky to learn more about her experience and insights on making estate planning approachable.
What common misconceptions or fears do you see among Latino families about estate planning? Many believe loved ones already know what needs to be done if decisions are required. Others fear that discussing death or illness may “make it happen” or ruin special moments.
During the Salinas workshop, what stood out to you about Latino families’ approach to wills and planning? I was impressed by how eager families were to learn and how many attended with relatives. They also willingly shared personal experiences, which enriched the discussion.
What cultural or practical barriers make estate planning challenging for the Latino community? Some hesitate to ask questions, fearing they aren’t important or won’t understand. Many lack extended family nearby, which limits exposure to estate planning practices. When younger generations witness elders creating wills or trusts, it becomes easier for them to engage.
Which strategies are most effective in building trust and encouraging families to take action? Showing up and speaking from the heart resonates. Sharing personal challenges or experiences—direct or indirect—helps families relate and engage.
What key lessons have you learned from working with Latino seniors on estate planning? Beliefs and fears often stem from lack of knowledge. Once families understand estate planning, they are motivated to start conversations and take action to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
ADVANCING END-OF-LIFE DIALOGUE THROUGH FILM AND COMMUNITY
By Annie Berlin, Hospice Giving Foundation Board Director
In May of 2025, Hospice Giving Foundation, together with the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care at CSUMB, took a carefully calculated risk in our community. The longtime partnership between Hospice Giving Foundation and CSUMB Nursing, through the Monterey County Palliative Care Collaborative, became a proving ground for the screening of a film about death and dying.
The Last Ecstatic Days, now a PBS documentary, features the story of Ethan Sisser’s final weeks of life at the Center for Conscious Living & Dying outside Asheville, North Carolina, under the care of death doula Dr. Aditi Sethi and hospice workers.
To our collective surprise, nearly 200 members of the community attended the 75-minute screening. The audience included seniors, parents, clinicians, oncologists, social
workers, students, and more. According to Erin White, CEO of Hospice Giving Foundation, “We were completely surprised not only by the number of people in the community who were brave enough to witness this powerful story, but also by what it revealed: that our community is ready to engage in open dialogue about end-of-life.”
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, we encourage you to see for yourself how a young man faced his own end of life—and the team that supported him. Watch it now on: www.pbs.org/show/the-last-ecstatic-days/
Pictured above: Film Director Scott Kirschenbaum and Dr. Aditi Sethi with panelists Nora Bianchi, Dr. John Hausdorff, Plumeria Gomes, and moderator, Alyssa Erikson. Event Sponsor: Honest Engine Films.
Article on opposite page reprinted with permission, Milestone Communications Inc.(dba Monterey County Weekly). Copyright 2025.
ECSTATIC ENDING
By Pam Marino
A powerful film chronicles one man's last days within a loving community for all to witness.
Facing certian death from a brain tumor, Ethan "E3" Sisser adopted a mantra.
"I am embodied. I am empowered. I am ecstatic," the 36-year-old would tell himself, in order to ward off oncoming seizures, carry himself through pain or recite for his many followers on social media. "E3" became his nickname.
We see Sisser, looking into the camera, recite the mantra early in the documentary, The Last Ecstatic Days, released in 2024. We also meet his hospice and palliative care physician, Aditi Sethi, who leaves her position to become his death doula and friend. She fulfills his wishes for a peaceful death surrounded by a caring community, filmed for others to learn from.
Director Scott Kirschenbaum—who made one of the definite documentaries about birth, These Are My Hours—spent the last two weeks of Sisser's life near his side with a camera, capturing each moment.
"I had no intentention of making a film about death." Kirschenbaum says by phone from North Carolina. "I simply received a phone call from [Sethi]. She asked me to speak to this young man." Within the first minute of their phone call, Sisser asked Kirschenbaum to film his death, "and I couldn't say no," Kirschenbaum says. He thought he was making a short film but it became a 75-minute documentary showing Sisser from his days in the hospital then a borrowed home in Asheville, North Carolina with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There, a team of death doulas and hospice workers cared for him round the clock.
Of being part of such an intimate experience, Kirschenbaum says he felt like he was embarking on a journey: "It is beautiful if you are willing to sit there and be present with it." he says.
Sethi went on to create the non-profit Center for Conscious Living and Dying in Asheville, to help people live meaningful lives, as well as promote community-supported end-of-life care.
Kirschenbaum and Sethi are coming to CSU Monterey Bay, in partnership with Hospice Giving Foundation and the Shiley Haynes Institute at CSUMB, for a screening of the film, followed by a panel discussion about end-of-life care featuring local experts including Dr. John Hausdorff, director of Hospice of the Central Coast.
Dr. Aditi Sethi and Ethan Sisser
MONTEREY COUNTY PALLIATIVE CARE COLLABORATIVE (MCPCC)
First convened in 2018, MCPCC is a countywide community of practice facilitated by Hospice Giving Foundation to strengthen end-of-life care across disciplines and care settings. Today, the collaborative includes more than 150 members, with clinicians and professionals gathering monthly to connect and learn.
Through these gatherings, MCPCC creates a trusted space for shared learning, professional support, and honest dialogue about the clinical, ethical, and emotional realities of serious illness care. By blending outside expertise with local experience, MCPCC strengthens relationships, improves coordination, and helps address gaps in care for patients and families facing complex illness or limited access.
MEETING TOPICS & PRESENTERS
From January through December 2025, MCPCC convened clinicians and community partners for monthly learning and dialogue, featuring local and regional experts, including:
Pharmacist Collaboration in Palliative Care Dharma Naidu, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Responding to Requests for a Miracle: Bioethical Perspectives
Trevor Bibler, PhD, Houston Methodist Hospital
End of Life Option Act, Part I: Legal and Clinical Context
John Hausdorff, MD, Pacific Cancer Care; Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Film Screening and Discussion: The Last Ecstatic Days MCPCC members with Director Scott Kirschenbaum and Aditi Sethi, MD
Alzheimer’s Disease: Two Perspectives Ankur Patel, MD–Use of AI in dementia care / Joy Smith, RN – Dementia an advance care planning
Collaborative Planning and Reflection MCPCC members
Challenging Dynamics and Difficult Personalities in Palliative Care Jessica Amarante, LCSW, and Jennifer Lewis, LCSW, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Medical Aid in Dying When Legal Options Are Limited
Lowrey Brown, Final Exit Network; Diana Martinetto Parkinson’s Disease for the Specialist Palliative CareTeam
Jocelyn Jiao, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor,Movement Disorders Division, Palliative Medicine Section, Stanford Health
Special Session: Discussion of Difficult Symptoms and Strategies to Address Them MCPCC clinicians and guest experts, led by Dharma Naidu, PharmD, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE’S HEADWINDS TOGETHER
In July 2025, Hospice Giving Foundation convened a forum with regional hospital leadership to explore the mounting challenges facing healthcare systems nationally and locally, and to consider what those challenges mean for our community. The discussion brought together leaders, board members, and staff from local foundations, reflecting a shared commitment to understanding how policy decisions translate into real-world impacts for patients and families.
The panel featured Dr. Allen Radner, President and CEO of Salinas Valley Health, and Dr. Mike McDermott, President and CEO of Montage Health. Both leaders brought the perspective of clinicians and executives, grounding the conversation in both lived experience and system-level insight. Together, they outlined the scope of their organizations, the diverse populations they serve, and the increasing complexity of delivering high-quality care in Monterey County.
Panelists addressed a convergence of pressures, including proposed federal Medicaid cuts, California’s budget deficit, unfunded mandates such as seismic retrofitting, and the realities of operating healthcare systems with a high proportion of government-insured patients. These challenges, they noted, are not abstract policy debates, but factors that directly affect access, equity, and the long-term sustainability of local healthcare.
The conversation also focused on equity and access, with both systems sharing how they are working to meet the needs of historically underserved populations. Philanthropy emerged as a critical partner—supporting innovation, filling gaps not covered by reimbursement, and strengthening care beyond hospital walls.
Natividad Foundation also attended the forum as a valued guest. As the philanthropic arm of the county hospital, its leaders did not participate directly on the panel due to unique governance considerations, but their presence reflected the importance of alignment across the broader healthcare ecosystem.
The forum concluded on a note of optimism, highlighting the strengths of Monterey County’s healthcare systems and the role collaboration will play in navigating the road ahead.
Dr. Allen Radner of Salinas Valley Health, Erin White of Hospice Giving Foundation, and Dr. Mike McDermott of Montage Health
Committee: Erandi Escareño (Chair), Erik Lua, Esmeralda Owen, Louie Diaz-Infante, Alan Saú, Yaquelin Franco, Christian Mendelsohn, Deanna Rossi and José Ortiz.
Sponsors: City of Salinas, Montage Health Foundation, Salinas Valley Health Foundation, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Natividad Foundation, Suicide Prevention Services, Soledad Community Health Care District, Pinnacle Bank, Precious Stone PR, Inc, Familia Lua, Hartnell College Foundation, Mag One Media, and Consulado General de México en San José 24
ALTARS, MUSIC, AND MEMORIES: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
On October 30, 2025, Hospice Giving Foundation, in partnership with Hartnell College and Hijos Del Sol Arts Productions, hosted its fifth annual Día de los Muertos event at Hartnell College in Salinas. The free community event drew over 1,000 attendees to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. The evening featured vibrant altars, artistic displays, and performances by Folklórico Raíces Mestizas de Watsonville, Los Lupeños de San José, Mariachi Hermanos Muratalla, Oceloyotl, and the Hartnell College Chamber Music Ensemble. Beautiful ofrendas with candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and mementos created a space for reflection. Volunteers, performers, and organizers ensured a heartwarming celebration, strengthening community connections and honoring lives with presence. We are honored to continue this tradition, ensuring that love, remembrance, and community remain at the heart of Hospice Giving Foundation’s mission.
Sponsors: Integris Wealth Management, Central Coast Entertainment, Portola Hotel and Spa, Monterey Marriott, 90.3 KAZU
TREE OF LIFE
The Tree of Life Celebration, held on December 7, 2025, at the Portola Hotel & Spa, remains one of Hospice Giving Foundation’s most cherished traditions. Each year, it offers a meaningful pause during the busy holiday season, creating space to remember and honor loved ones, both those still with us and those we carry in our memories.
Guests were deeply moved by performances from CSUMB’s University Singers, the Monterey High School Treble Project, and the Carmel High School Chamber Singers. Their voices and seasonal reflections helped create an atmosphere of remembrance, gratitude, and quiet celebration.
Friends and donors from near and far continue to make Tree of Life part of their holiday traditions. Lynn and Charles Parsons return each year to honor family members, former exchange students, and coworkers through their continued participation. The Aliotti family continues to be part of Tree of Life, a tradition they began more than 30 years ago when their four boys were young and now carry on with their grandchildren, bringing three generations together through this meaningful celebration.
This year, we were also honored to welcome the Sistah Posse, who gathered to remember and celebrate the life of their dear friend, Dr. Michele Horne, coming together in love, connection, and remembrance. Rose and Alvin Rogers traveled from Orange County while celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary on the Peninsula, choosing to include Tree of Life as a heartfelt way to honor and remember Rose’s beloved “Papa.”
For 41 years, Hospice Giving Foundation’s Holiday Tree has shone each December atop the Monterey Marriott, serving as a gentle reminder of the lives that continue to inspire us and the enduring power of love, remembrance, and generosity.
2025 VOLUNTEERS: WORKSHOPS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mary Adams
Laura Bernal
Janet Belardo
Annie Berlin
Nora Bianchi
Carrie Baumgart
Carmel High School Chamber Singers
Vicky Canepa
Julie Capili
Erin Clark
CSUMB’s University Singers
Samuel Delgado-Sainz
Jean Duff
Shary Farr
Maryam Finnigan
Franchesca Franklin
Annette Freeman
DiAnna Gamecho
David Glickman
Plumeria Gomes, RN
Abram Gonzalez
Jaime González, M.D.
Sarah Grandcolas
Siobhan Greene
Hortencia Jiménez, PhD
Lucille Jose
Andrea Mackenzie, Spiritual Care Counselor
Elsa Malispina
Azul Monet Martínez-García
Viviana Massa
Kyle Massa
Nanci Markey
Yuliana Mendoza-Flores
Monterey High School Treble Project
Enrique Morales, LMFT
Christina Moreau
José Ortiz, Artist
Esmeralda Owen
Jeannine Pacioni
Carrie Panetta
Connie Riley, MA, Chaplain
Jennifer Rosenthal
Christina Rondez, Retired RN
Stella Rosendin
Carolyn Schanzer
Jennifer Scudder
Cristal Santana, LMFT
Yvonne Thomas
Kris Toscano, CPA
Martha Tovar, LMFT
Monica Tovar
Sunny Underwood, FNP, MSN, PhD
Lori VanMeter
David Villareal, RPh, CCM
Wendy Walker
Sammi Weiss
J.R. Williams
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Since 2015, Kyle Ruggieri has been a constant and compassionate presence at Hospice Giving Foundation. A loyal volunteer for over a decade, Kyle has supported every major event, stepped in wherever help was needed, and has consistently shown up for Hospice Giving Foundation with generosity and grace.
Beyond event-day support, Kyle has played an essential role in the planning and execution of our major fundraising Galas. From database management and guest coordination to organizing logistics and preparing materials behind the scenes, she has helped ensure each event runs smoothly and successfully.
Kyle has also been a vital support in our day-to-day operations. When our front desk reception role was temporarily unfilled, she stepped in to ensure our office remained welcoming and responsive to the community. She has also dedicated countless hours to behind-thescenes work—stuffing, sealing, and stamping envelopes for mailings that help sustain our mission.
Kyle’s impact extends far beyond tasks and timelines. She is a trusted community liaison, building genuine relationships and representing Hospice Giving Foundation with warmth, professionalism, and heart. Her willingness to help, paired with her deep belief in our mission, makes her an invaluable part of our organization.
We are profoundly grateful for Kyle’s years of service, her unwavering reliability, and the care she brings to everything she does. Volunteers like Kyle are the backbone of our work, and her continued commitment has helped shape Hospice Giving Foundation into what it is today.
A LEGACY OF GIVING:
JOE MARTELLO REFLECTS ON NINE YEARS OF BOARD SERVICE
As Joe Martello concludes nine years of dedicated service on the Hospice Giving Foundation Board, fellow Board Director and longtime friend David Glickman sat down with him to reflect on the moments, relationships, and community impact that defined his tenure.
David: What inspired you to join the Hospice Giving Foundation (HGF) Board nine years ago?
Joe: I was looking for a philanthropic cause to support, and I wanted to give back to the local community. At first, I was hesitant since I didn’t know much about the organization and its history. As I learned more about it from Nanci Markey, Siobhan Greene, and you, David, I was intrigued and gratified to see that this was a local organization and that 100% of the granted funds would be distributed within Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.
This meant it was easy for me to consider raising money for HGF, since it is such a great story and donors could see firsthand how their contributions worked hard for the community and our neighbors. I became passionate about the mission, since HGF provides grants and education and brings our community together.
It never gets stale, and we attract a full house every time. It means so much! Both events require lots of work and energy from staff and volunteers but are highly effective in developing relationships with existing donors and new friends of HGF. The fashion show attracts a different group of attendees, with less capital required, which widens our reach in the community.
David: Was there an experience that really drove home why this work matters to you?
Joe: Participating in the site visits to the agencies applying for grants and hearing about the work they do in our community was very helpful and gratifying. It really drove home how important they are and helped me become more effective in telling the Foundation’s story.
Also, serving on the Investment Advisory Committee managing the Foundation’s endowment funds was another opportunity for me. Guiding HGF’s finances through the pandemic, including suggesting we create appropriate reserves to allow us to continue serving the agencies when they needed it the most, and guaranteeing that the Foundation would continue to make grants even when fundraising was uncertain, was an important challenge that we overcame.
David: What surprised you or changed you most during your tenure?
David: When you look back, what accomplishment or moment stands out most from your time on the Board?
Joe: I am very proud of helping create the Fashion + Compassion event, on which my wife Janine, Nanci, and I collaborated. This has become part of the calendar, alternating with the Golf Scramble, and a very successful and fun event. It has been sold out each time and promotes HGF’s visibility in Monterey County. I am glad that as I continue to help raise money for the Foundation, this will be part of my legacy of serving on the Board.
I am also grateful to my fellow members at Monterey Peninsula Country Club for allowing us to host the Golf Scramble there.
Joe: Fundraising has gotten better. We have improved our abilities to tell our story and “ask for the order.” We can still do better as more members of the Board take responsibility for fundraising!
David: What will you miss the most—and the least—about serving on the Board?
Joe: I will miss the camaraderie and fellowship; however, I still consider the expression “good meeting” to be an oxymoron.
David: What’s next for you as you “graduate” from Board service?
Joe: I look forward to supporting the special events as a major sponsor (and pledge to max out my donations if I don’t have to go to meetings).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026
Our Board of Directors brings together dedicated community leaders who share a deep commitment tocare, dignity, and support for individuals and families in our community. Their guidance, expertise, and stewardship help ensure Hospice Giving Foundation remains responsive, sustainable, and mission-driven. Through thoughtful governance and generous service, our board strengthens our impact and helps advance meaningful care and support throughout the communities we serve.
Alex Black
David Glickman Emeritus
Eric Andresen Secretary
Sheriff Tina Nieto
Christina Moreau Officer-at-Large
Jean Duff Emerita
Yvonne Thomas Chair
Maria Lopez
Rory Coetzee Immediate Past Chair
Valerie Ghio
Annie Berlin Vice Chair
Joe Martello
Louie DÍaz-Infante
Cynthia House
Sun Shine Hohman Co-Treasurer, Operations
Sunny Underwood
Leland Saccone
Kim DiBenedetto Emerita
James Kendall
Hannah Rogge Co-Treasurer, Chair IAC
J.R. Williams
Bill Tebbe Emeritus
MEET THE STAFF
Our staff is the heart of Hospice Giving Foundation, bringing dedication, empathy, and purpose to everything we do. Led by Erin White, our President and CEO, the team is guided by steady, collaborative leadership rooted in shared vision and trust. Erin’s ability to bring people together ensures our work remains thoughtful, inclusive, and mission driven. Mary Gunn, Senior Director of Grants and Impact, leads with her heart, shaping our grantmaking with kindness, care, and a deep commitment to meaningful outcomes. Supporting the Foundation’s strength and stability is Jennifer Balducci, Senior Director of Finance and Operations, whose clarity, structure, and attention to detail form the backbone of our administrative and financial systems.
Erik Lua, Director of Development, brings energy and connection to the organization, prioritizing relationships and fostering a collaborative, morale-centered office culture that strengthens both internal teamwork and community partnerships. Erandi Escareño,
Director of Community Outreach and Education, serves as a vital bridge between Hospice Giving Foundation and the broader community; she brings insight, warmth, and leadership to our outreach and education efforts. With 23 years of service, Diane Camba Jackman, Assistant Director of Development, is deeply rooted in the Foundation’s history and relationships, bringing unmatched knowledge, care, and connection to our donor community. Rounding out the team is Laura Hamill, our Administrative Assistant, who, as the newest member of staff, has quickly become a cherished presence through her openness and the authenticity she brings to everyday interactions.
Together, our staff blends experience, heart, and collaboration. Their collective efforts ensure Hospice Giving Foundation remains responsive, grounded, and deeply connected to the individuals, families, and organizations we serve throughout our community.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Hospice Giving Foundation’s impact is made possible through the dedication of individuals who believe deeply in compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. Among them are Diane Camba Jackman, Assistant Director of Development, and Yvonne Thomas, Board Chair—two leaders whose connection to the Foundation is shaped by shared history, service, and purpose.
Diane and Yvonne first knew each other in high school before life led them on different paths. Years later, after both returned to the Monterey Peninsula, they reconnected through Hospice Giving Foundation; a reunion grounded not in coincidence, but in shared values.
Both women left the area when they were young and eventually returned home for different reasons. With time, each gained a renewed appreciation for the community they grew up in and a desire to give back in meaningful ways.
Service became that pathway.
For Yvonne, community involvement began through journalism and grew into leadership across multiple local organizations. “Service helps you step outside your bubble,” she shared. “Even in a community known for affluence, there are real needs, and people who want to respond.”
Diane’s service has been anchored at Hospice Giving Foundation since 2003. Over nearly 23 years, she has seen the organization evolve and deepen its impact.
“What has kept me here is the mission,” Diane said. “Many families don’t understand hospice or palliative care until they’re already in crisis. Even now, people don’t always realize what support is available or that they can advocate for it. Helping families access that care has always mattered to me.”
Yvonne’s connection to the mission is deeply personal. After caring for her parents, she saw firsthand how unprepared families can feel, even when they believe they’ve planned ahead.
“You don’t know what you need until you’re in it,” she said. “Hospice Giving Foundation offers services people don’t even know to ask for. As Board Chair, one of my goals is to make sure people across the community know we’re here, and that we’re here for everyone.”
That commitment to access, dignity, and inclusion guides her approach to stewardship. For Yvonne, stewardship is not only about resources, but about values, ensuring the mission remains visible, trusted, and responsive to community needs.
Both leaders credit Hospice Giving Foundation’s success to strong partnerships between staff, board, donors, and community partners.
“There’s a culture of trust here,” Yvonne noted. “You hire good people and let them do their work. That respect is what makes the staff and board partnership strong.”
Diane added that collaboration has transformed the organization’s reach. “We’ve grown from funding hospice care to actively collaborating with providers, hospitals, and community partners. We’re no longer working in silos, and that’s made a real difference.”
When asked what makes them most proud, both point to the same source: the community.
“Community support is everything,” Yvonne said. “Without it, Hospice Giving Foundation wouldn’t exist.”
For Diane, pride comes from seeing the longevity of impact.
“From helping establish hospice care locally to being recognized by healthcare leaders today, we’ve come a long way. I wouldn’t be here for 23 years if I didn’t believe in this work.”
Together, Diane and Yvonne embody the leadership and heart that sustain Hospice Giving Foundation, ensuring its mission continues to serve families when compassion matters most.
80 Garden Court, Suite 201 | Monterey, CA 93940
August 24, 2026
Join us for our Scramble, where good company, shared purpose, and generosity come together in support of compassionate care.
