Show of Support for Lamar Area Hospice

The benefit dinner and dance for Lamar Area Hospice is an annual event and major local fund-raiser for the organization.  The donations raised from this, and other events, helps support the ongoing work of Lamar Area Hospice, currently renovating their new headquarters at the former Lamar Hotel on West Olive Street in Lamar.

A tasty barbecue, lively music, an open bar and a silent and live auction at Country Acres RV Park and Motel brought out anywhere from 160 to 180 persons for the Saturday night event, August 25 in Lamar.  The complete tally is in progress, but estimates on the auction were around $11,000 and proceeds from the dinner and dance may push that figure up another $5,000 or $6,000.  Rose Ann Yates, fundraiser director, hopes to present a check to the organization in the next several weeks. 

Numerous merchants contributed to the auctions, conducted under the talents of M & M Auction Company and Rob Morlen who donated their services again this year.  Mike Marinac and his crew manned the BBQ, serving up pounds of seasoned steaks.  A & B Liquor in Lamar provided the beverages and the music was courtesy of the Jeffrey Allen Band from Colorado Springs.  Brad Semmens, owner/operator of Country Acres offered his establishment as the host of the annual party. 

Another fund-raising event for Hospice, the Angels Open Golf Tournament is held each year at Spreading Antlers Golf Course.  Deb Pelley, director of Lamar Area Hospice, has been involved this past year with managing the refurbishment of the Lamar Hotel into brand new and expanded headquarters for the local hospice organization which serves several communities in southeast Colorado.  Pelley said earlier this year, she expects the expansion project, financed through various donations, to be ready for a grand opening sometime this fall.

By Russ Baldwin

Expansion Project for Lamar Area Hospice Headquarters