Giddy-up-and-Give was the underlying theme for Pemi-Baker Community Health’s fundraiser hosted by Big Daddy Joe’s Country Kitchen and Saloon on Sunday. Community members, friends and employees of PBCH turned out for the Boots N’ Bling Auction in their finest western attire. The annual auction is Pemi-Baker’s largest fundraiser of the year and once again the Plymouth community didn’t disappoint.

The afternoon was busy with cowboy hat decorating contests, a best boots competition, silent and live auctions as well as great raffle giveaways. Big Daddy Joe’s catered the BBQ spread and with the relaxed country atmosphere, everyone felt they were ‘down south’ all afternoon.

Auctioneer, Mike Lemieux kept the bids rolling and PBCH Board President, Marty Humphrey reminded everyone how important fundraising is for a non-profit organization. “We provide services for everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Though we bill insurance, it doesn’t mean they cover all the services we provide. Some of the most important care isn’t billable. Time spent listening – to patients, to family members to close friends and to care givers – this is possible because of your donations.”

Chandra Engelbert, CEO said, “Collaboration is the key to success in health care today, working closely with our community and the other healthcare systems, we become a safety net. Most people prefer to remain ‘healthy at home’ which is also a less costly option for healthcare. We appreciate our professional staff who touch so many lives: yours, your family’s, your neighbor’s, with a customer oriented, client centered approach, to improve the health and lives of others.”

Pemi-Baker Community Health would like to thank the many sponsors who support us year after year. Dumont Construction, Rockywold-Deephaven Camp, Mainstay Technologies, Gowen Realty, Noyes Insurance, Home Care Specialists, R.M. Piper, NE Employee Benefits Co., Waterville Valley Resort, Annie’s Overflow Restaurant, Highline Acoustics, Comfort Keepers, Conklin & Reynolds PA, Old North State Trust, Deb Hills Cleaning Service, Simple By Nature LLC and all the people who donated items for our silent, live and online auctions. Thank You! A big thanks also goes out to everyone who participated in the online auction leading up to the event. Some online bidders were from as far away as Florida!

Please consider donating to Pemi-Baker Community Health as the holidays approach. If you order gifts on line, Amazon will give a percentage of your purchases directly to Pemi-Baker Community health by using Amazon Smile. Visit www.smile.amazon.com and choose Pemi-Baker Community Health. Giving Tuesday, December 3^rd, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is a movement to create an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. Visit our website to give: www.pbhha.org. Thank you from the team at Pemi-Baker!

~By Anna Swanson

The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021. When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community. A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers. My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida. The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure. I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others. PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals. Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

Connie C.

You give of yourselves day & night without end!

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings-

Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated. I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him.

And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME! Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated. You give of yourselves day & night without end! God Bless you and thank you!

Pam O.

“Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know.”

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

Terry W.

“Pemi-Baker Hospice services provided kind, professional, competent services every step of the way-and even vaccinated us all for Covid/19!””

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Paula W.

Your courage during Covid-19 does not go unnoticed

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!