Christmas has passed, but it’s always nice to hear about the spirit of giving that local organizations display throughout the year. On December 18th, members of the non-profit organization, Hernando Continuity of Care Council, Inc. (H4C) gathered for lunch at the Southern Hills Plantation clubhouse for a delicious meal, desserts made by some of the members, and a gift exchange. However, the main reason for the event was to present a check for $1,000 to People Helping People, a local non-profit that helps people in need, especially the homeless. Accepting the donation on behalf of Maureen Soliman, Board President of People Helping People was Valerie Ciaccio of HPH Hospice.
People Helping People provides such necessities as food, free health care, a place to shower, and vouchers for them to go to the laundromat. Its location in Spring Hill is also a place where people can get their mail delivered and use computers to fill out job applications. This is just a small portion of its mission, however.
Through its main fundraising event−a “Senior Prom”− Hernando Continuity of Care Council raised $1,000 for People Helping People. The “Senior Prom” was a gala evening affair for Senior Citizens. About 100 people attended the free event and all costs were paid for by sponsors. There was entertainment, a dance contest and other fun activities.
The mission of H4C is to bring professional healthcare providers, mostly those that work with Seniors, together so they can network to help Seniors in any way possible. These providers include hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, pharmacies, elder law attorneys, and placement services. The members meet monthly for lunch and at each meeting there is a guest speaker.
This year’s board members are: Christine Blum, President; Valerie Ciaccio, Vice President; Lori Crespo, Secretary; Deborah Townsend, Treasurer; Frankie Diaz, Public Relations/Events; and April Johnson Spence, Social Media.
Hernando Continuity of Care Council membership is open to anyone interested in improving healthcare services, primarily to Seniors, and not just healthcare professionals. Dues are $25 per year for a single membership and $50 per year for a corporate membership. For more information, you can log onto https://hernando4c.wixsite.com/website or email: [email protected]
To find out more about People Helping People, call 352 686-4466 or go to www.phphernando.org.
