Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary hosted second Spring Bouquet Luncheon

On May 17, the Lodi Chapter of the Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary hosted its second annual Spring Bouquet Luncheon at Vinewood Community Church. Over 140 guests were treated to a lovely courtyard reception, exciting raffle, silent auction and a delicious luncheon. Eighteen tables were beautifully set with members' china and guests were entertained by a harpist and string ensemble. This affair raised over $10,400 to be donated to the Hospice of San Joaquin Hospice House, a residential care facility for terminally ill patients and their families who reside in San Joaquin County and neighboring communities.

This is the second year of the newly formed Lodi Chapter, which focuses on their efforts on raising funds to help the Hospice House. Hospice of San Joaqun is the only non-profit hospice in this county and patients receive services in their homes or care facility free of charge. The Hospice House does charge a sliding scale fee, however patients are never turned away because of inability to pay. The Butterfly Auxiliary raises money to support the ongoing services of the Hospice House and to help subsidize patients who are unable to pay for services at Hospice House. The Butterfly members also assist in other areas as needed such as Camp Caterpillar, a children's bereavement day camp, Tree of Lights and Hospice House decorations.

Members are now making plans for the sevent annual Moonlight Sip and Stroll, a wine and brew tasting event that hosts over 25 wineries and breweries an over 40 restaurants. This event will beh eld on Aug. 16 on Heron Lakes Drive in the Brookside Classis in Stockton. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Membership is open and anyone in the community is encouraged to join this dynamic group of ladies. Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at Vinewood Community Church, corner of Mills Ave. and Vine St. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. but members and guests are invited to attend for light refreshments beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary membership opportunities or the Moonlight Sip and Stroll, you may call Sharon Stokes at 369-5439.