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Giving back to those who give

No one knows the value of the benefits that hospice can give someone through an end of life transition than lifelong friends Bryan Rellinger of Grand Rapids and Eric Baldwin of Harbor Springs. The latter’s father, Ed, died when he was 15 years old, followed by his brother, Mark, in 1996 and his mother, Beth, in 2000. Bryan Rellinger on the other hand loss his mother, Darla, in 2006. For every personal loss, both of these men’s lives were affected by the hospice.

“Our moms wouldn’t want us to do anything but throw a huge party and give the money to hospice” said Bryan Rellinger. That’s exactly what they’ll do on Aug 11. Titled “Friends for Life: Celebrating Life”, the benefit party will start at 7pm to midnight at the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey. Tickets will cost $100 and that will get you in the party with an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by David Cisco. Also available is an eight-person table with VIP accommodations and preferred seating at $1,500 wherein $1000 is tax deductible. All profits will benefit the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay and the new hospice house that is under construction.

“The organization made a huge impact on both of us. This is our way to give back,” stated Baldwin. “The focus is to celebrate life.”

Bryan Rellinger agreed to the statement and he added that their moms always lived life to the fullest. Bryan said “It’s really just taking what our moms instilled in us and passing it on to other,” also adding “It’ll be a great time. Our moms would have been the life of this thing had they been here.” For more information and ticket reservation, you can contact Hospice of Little Traverse Bay at 487-4805.