Granite VNA raised more than $74,000 during its largest annual fundraising event, Passion for Caring, on Thursday evening May 7, at The Barn at Bull Meadow in Concord, New Hampshire. All proceeds from the event directly benefit Granite VNA’s Hospice House.

Over 140 attendees enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while networking, and entered bids in the agency’s popular silent auction. This year’s auction featured, a five-day trip to Iceland, a one-week stay in the Bahamas, ski and snowboarding passes, overnight stays, spa packages, and hand-crafted jewelry, among other exciting items, and resulted in a record-setting tally!

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, businesses and individuals whose generous donations and auction contributions make this event possible each year,” said Granite VNA President and CEO Beth Slepian. “The support our agency receives from Passion for Caring is critical to Hospice House, where we are honored to provide patients and their loved ones a comfortable setting with around-the-clock care for a peaceful, supportive end-of-life experience.”

Passion for Caring is also an opportunity to celebrate honorees of two annual 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. Granite VNA pediatric and maternal child health supervisor Jamye Cutter, BSN, RN was honored this year. Cutter started with Granite VNA in 2011 as a maternal child health nurse and was promoted to her current role in 2021. Cutter 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.

Barbara Lobdell of Wolfeboro was honored with the Donor Recognition Award for her quarter-century of service to the agency. Lobdell has spearheaded the Hospice Home and Garden Tour in the Lakes Region for many years, and she is an active member of Granite VNA’s development committee.