LOCAL MAN TAKES A “POLAR PLUNGE” TO SUPPORT HOSPICE PATIENTS

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Tom Freeley Raises $4,700 For Sharp HospiceCare with dip in Lake Arrowhead’s 45-degree waters
 
February 29, 2012 (La Mesa) –San Diego resident Tom Freeley raised $4,700 for La Mesa-based Sharp HospiceCare at the “PolaRotary Plunge” on February 4 in Lake Arrowhead.  As one of 60 participants to brave the lake’s 45-degree temperatures, Freeley’s fundraising efforts generated the most money by an individual and contributed to the event’s total amount of more than $22,000 for various charities.
 
Freeley learned about the event during one of his monthly visits to the area with his girlfriend, Luanne Brito. Brito is co-chair for Sharp HospiceCare's annual fundraising regatta which takes place in August. A portion of proceeds will also benefit the event's sponsor, the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club.

 

"I'm not a fan of cold water but thought this would a fun event to get involved in," says Freeley. "I had the pleasure of helping Luanne and the regatta planning committee at last year's event and was very impressed with the community involvement. Both of my parents went through hospice care many years ago. It feels right to help an organization that specializes in giving help, comfort and support to families during a difficult time."

 
Sharp HospiceCare is an organization that provides comprehensive care and compassionate support for patients and their families struggling with a life-limiting illness. The tenth annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta takes place on Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012 and is expected to raise $250,000. Proceeds go toward the Sharp's Homes for Hospice campaign, an initiative to build hospice homes in San Diego. Past years’ campaigns have led to the completion of two homes in the neighborhoods of La Mesa and Del Cerro. A third home in the South Bay is currently being planned.
 
Caring for patients since 1992, Sharp HospiceCare is a not-for-profit, Medicare-certified organization accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO), and is affiliated with the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

 


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