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Best Friends Eric Baldwin and Bryan Rellinger Host 2nd Annual “Friends for Life Celebrating Life”

Best friends for over 30 years, Eric Baldwin and Bryan Rellinger joined forces yet again to host the 2nd annual “Friends for Life Celebrating Life” benefit for the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. The event is a tribute to their respective mothers who passed away while under the Hospice’s care.

Held at the Odawa Casino Resort on Aug 16, the event featured an open bar with top shelf liquor and entertainment by David Cisco.

As Eric Baldwin explains, the event is hardly a sad occasion, “It’s all about living life. It’s not only remembering people that passed before us but it’s also an opportunity to get old friends and as many new friends as possible to celebrate life – we’re still here.”

““A lot of people have been touched by Hospice,” Baldwin said. This event is a great opportunity to give back. It’s a great night in the summer to get together with old friends, meet new ones and celebrate life.”

Bryan Rellinger added that a night of dancing was indeed a fitting tribute to the memory of their mothers. “We used our moms as the impetus – that’s why it’s along the lines of a party. Our moms lived their lives. Every day they were a ton of fun. They would have wanted us to have David Cisco playing and everyone dancing.”

Proceeds from the $100 per head event  were used to buy additional beds for one of the Hospice cottages. “Our goal is to help the Hilland Cottage, but we hope that beds will never be used there. We have both benefited from the resources and trained staff of Hospice of Little Traverse bay and we want to support Hospice caregivers. I don’t know how they do what they do but I’m sure glad they do because Eric and I couldn’t,” said Bryan Rellinger.

The duo expressed their hope that “Friends for Life Celebrating Life” would raise awareness about hospice care and educate people on how hospice care can have a positive impact on end-of-life experiences for individuals and their loved ones.

Baldwin adds, “We want to raise money to enhance hospice services. So many people have experienced a loved one dying and don’t know what to expect. The caregivers at Hospice provide expertise to patients and family members to help them through this difficult journey. Hospice provides top-notch service and e want to make sure they are always available in this area.”

To find out more information about the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, please call 487-4825 or visit www.hospiceltb.org