Expressing gratitude comes naturally to the Our Lady of Peace development team. They are responsible for raising money for a hospice that operates mostly on donations, but their relationships with donors go beyond what can be measured in money. For Lisa Sweeney, Debbie Swanson, and Heather Zenk, giving thanks comes in many forms, from a handwritten note to an email or a Happy Birthday serenade, accompanied by Heather on the ukulele (more on that in a bit). These women are known to reach out to donors to simply to say, “thank you,” without asking for money, or jump in when help is needed, like driving a donor friend to a medical appointment. Development Program Officer Debbie Swanson says, “The best part of my job is getting to know our donors and understanding what inspired them to give to Our Lady of Peace and what connects them to our organization.”
Our Lady of Peace donors give with love and generosity, making it possible for people to die with dignity, wrapped in our care. They often give because someone they love passed in our hospice home or in their own home, cared for by our hospice team in the community. Development Director Lisa Sweeney says, “We are blessed by our donors and the friendships that have developed from their giving. We are all in this together.”
Here’s a glimpse of Debbie and Heather serenading a donor friend with music on his birthday……