Brookfield Shamrock Breakfast 2016

A Little Magic & A Lot of Heart

Paul Sirois, COO RHCC; Peg Ellis, Chapter Chair; Cynthia Emiry Roy, President & CEO RHCC; Paul Loftus, Board Member RHHC

Paul Sirois, COO RHCC; Peg Ellis, Chapter Chair; Cynthia Emiry Roy, President & CEO RHCC; Paul Loftus, Board Member RHHC

For some, March 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day – a day for wearing green and celebrating Irish heritage. But, for the dedicated members of the Brookfield Chapter of Regional Hospice and Home Care, it’s much more. It’s the day of the annual Shamrock Breakfast, when the community joins together to raise awareness and much-needed funds for patient and family care.

A Brookfield Tradition for 29 Years  

In its 29th year, the popular event is always a success, selling out quickly. This year was no exception with over 300 caring residents in attendance raising over $34,000. These funds will support patients, both in their homes and in our Center, as well as families participating in bereavement programs at our Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss.

A Magical Day On Candlewood Lake

A bit of magic was in the air as the fog over Candlewood Lake melted into sunshine, leading Master of Ceremonies Paul Loftus to proclaim, “Peg Ellis has such mastery over the Brookfield Shamrock Breakfast that it even looks like Ireland outside!” The addition of the rich sounds of bagpiper, Pat Maguire, and the soul-stirring words of speakers, Larry Riefberg and David Lajoie, made for an especially memorable day.

When A Bell Rings

RHCC Commemorative BellAttendees also experienced the uplifting sounds of Regional Hospice and Home Care’s new commemorative bells. Inscribed with “When a bell rings an angel gets its wings,” the bells are great gifts of remembrance. The proceeds from the sale of the bells, along with raffle tickets, added to the generous donations of the day. Bells will be available for purchase online soon.

Special Thanks

We are grateful for the generous support of everyone in attendance. Special thanks goes to:

  • Paul Loftus, Master of Ceremonies, for gracing the podium with great heart and humor;
  • Peg Ellis, Chapter Chair, for her unwavering dedication;
  • Chapters volunteers – Tracie Coyle, Kathy Dillon, Cassie Dunn, Norm Ellis, Kellie Martone, Marianne Seeber and Rita Touhy – for their tireless efforts;
  • Larry Riefberg and David Lajoie for sharing your personal stories and reminding us of the impact of quality hospice care;
  • John Royce and his volunteer waitstaff for their hospitality;
  • Father Shawn Cutler for sharing a poignant St. Patrick’s Day invocation; and to
  • Mark and Steve Fancher from Shakespeare’s Garden for their festive table arrangements.

Regional Hospice and Home Care’s team of experienced clinicians have been providing physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement support to children, adults and their families through our palliative and hospice care program for the past 30 years. Regional Hospice and Home Care is a nonprofit, state-licensed and Medicare-certified home health care and hospice agency. Now, with the opening of our new private-room, specialty hospital for palliative and end-of-life care — the Center for Comfort Care & Healing — Regional Hospice and Home Care can bring that same hope and compassionate care close to home and under one roof.

 To view more photos of the event, “Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RegionalHospiceandHomeCare