Granite VNA will host its annual Passion for Caring fundraising event on Wednesday, May 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at The Barn at Bull Meadow in Concord, New Hampshire. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Granite VNA’s Hospice House.

The popular annual event features networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, along with a silent auction featuring great experiences and one-of-a-kind items, such as a five-day trip to Iceland, and a one-week cottage rental in the Bahamas, ski and snowboarding passes, overnight stays, a massage gift certificate, sterling silver jewelry, and many others.

An important part of Passion for Caring is the annual presentation of two special Granite VNA awards: The Kay Sidway Award and the Donor Recognition Award.

The Kay Sidway Award is presented annually to an individual who is devoted to educating, nurturing, and promoting the wellbeing of children and families across the 72 New Hampshire communities served by Granite VNA. This year’s recipient is Granite VNA’s pediatric and maternal child health supervisor Jamye Cutter, BSN, RN.

Cutter started with Granite VNA in 2011 as a maternal child health nurse. In 2021, she earned a promotion to her current role as pediatric and maternal child health supervisor. A resource for every hospice pediatric patient, Cutter ensures patients and families have consistency, education, and support through some of the most difficult times a parent will encounter. According to her nominators, Cutter maintains the highest level of clinical expertise and is an inspiration to her colleagues; she is a mentor and educator who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure children and their families receive exceptional care and emotional support. Through direct patient care, educational outreach, and advocacy, she has made – and continues to make – a significant difference in improving the health and wellbeing of countless Granite State children.

Granite VNA’s Donor Recognition Award will be presented to Barbara Lobdell of Wolfeboro. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, exhibits outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles with Granite VNA and the community. Lobdell started volunteering with Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice over 25 years ago. After the merger with Concord Regional VNA to become Granite VNA in 2021, she continued to volunteer with various initiatives including the Season of Remembrance, and the Hospice Home and Garden Tour events. She was the driving force behind the revitalization of the Hospice Home & Garden Tour after the pandemic ended the much-loved event. Lobdell is also an active member of Granite VNA’s development committee.

“Recognizing the extraordinary work of the Kay Sidway and Donor Recognition honorees each year is one of the highlights of my role here,” said Granite VNA President and CEO Beth Slepian “Jamye and Barbara are integral members of our Granite VNA family and their respective contributions to our mission is immeasurable. We are truly grateful for all they do to help Granite VNA carry out our mission.”

Tickets for the Passion for Caring event are available for $75 per person. For information about the event, to reserve tickets, and to donate to Passion for Caring, visit
www.granitevna.org/passionforcaring or call (603) 230-5664.