On Monday evening, Cathy Wozniak, executive director at Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, stood before the audience at the organization’s Summer Soirée fundraiser, expressing her love for everyone in attendance.

“Because of your presence tonight, we can do more and we can reach further,” she said. “The soirée would not be complete without me recognizing you and our staff, who are so talented and skilled.”

Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard has been part of the Island since 1981, providing end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones. The organization’s Summer Soirée has been an annual occurrence for close to 30 years.

Enjoying the raw bar in between bidding on auction items.

Hailey McLaughlin

Enjoying the raw bar in between bidding on auction items.

Hailey McLaughlin

“It started off as a nice party,” said Sheri Lamoreaux, director of development and communications. “Over the years, it grew.”

Joyce Utz, whose husband Jules died in 2023 and was under the care of hospice, was the guest speaker this year.

Ms. Utz said that Jules was an avid runner who developed cancer in his later life. After he died, she immediately called Hospice, and their nurse practitioner arrived right away, asking, what can I do?

“She was sensitive, empathic, she was perfect,” Ms. Utz said. “This very team, all of us may have had the privilege to be in touch with through our journeys, from the very first call to the office, to the support people, the nurses, made such a difference in my journey.”

Cathy Wozniak, Sheri Lamoreaux and Barbara Phillips.

Hailey McLaughlin

Cathy Wozniak, Sheri Lamoreaux and Barbara Phillips.

Hailey McLaughlin

Ms. Wozniak has been working with Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard for five years and will be retiring in January.

“It’s been a great privilege and honor for me to lead this organization through tremendous growth,” she said. “No matter what life or this world has in store for us, Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard must continue its extraordinary, essential and deeply human work on the Island through many supporters like you.”

“Please stand by us and remember us tonight, tomorrow, next year and years to come,” she added.

Chantale Patterson, who has worked at the organization since 2017, will take over next year as executive director.

Next executive director, Chantale Patterson.

Hailey McLaughlin

Next executive director, Chantale Patterson.

Hailey McLaughlin

“This is something I’m very passionate about, and that’s one of the great things about tonight is being able to reconnect with a lot of the families,” Ms. Patterson told the crowd. “I came to this event first as a guest and I thought, look at all the love in this room. Everybody loves this organization, the people in it and the work they do.”

The fundraiser included auction items and was supported by 42 sponsors.

“When we raise money, it goes to the broad needs of the organization. It’s all for a good cause,” said Ms. Lamoreaux.

For the employees and volunteers at the organization, being able to help people at such a critical time is deeply satisfying.

“I’m very passionate about hospice,” said the organization’s medical director, Dr. Lisa Vieira-Salvatore. “I feel like I was put here to do this. I have a gift, so why not use it. It’s very fulfilling and gratifying because I know I help these people.”

Ms. Utz ended her talk with a quote from Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, author and developer of the five stages of grief: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths,” she said. “These persons have an appreciation and a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

“Fortunately for me, you and our community, we have our beautiful people here at the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard,” Ms. Utz added.

For more information, visit hospicofemv.org.