Locals Sharon Siegel and Louise Burnette Honored with Community Leadership Award

Supporters of Regional Hospice and Palliative Care (RHPC) came out in full force to help raise money for the pediatric programs of Regional Hospice.  On Tuesday, May 1st, more than 300 people congregated at the Amber Room Collenade for the Danbury Giving Circle’s annual fundraising breakfast.

Community Leadership Awards were given to volunteers Sharon Siegel of Bethel (formerly of Danbury) and Louise Burnette of Danbury, whose compassion, service and tireless dedication to the mission of Regional Hospice earned them this prestigious honor.

Sharon Siegel began volunteering at our former Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss on Stadley Rough Road in 2001, as a bereavement facilitator for children who lost parents in 9/11.  Sharon further assisted RHPC as a Family Support Volunteer for hospice patients at home.  Since February of 2015, when our Center for Comfort Care & Healing opened its doors, Sharon continues providing bereavement support as well as assisting hospice patients and their families in the Center.

Louise Burnette took on the role as our volunteer pastry chef shortly after our Center opened.  Louise is responsible for baking many of the exquisite desserts enjoyed by our Center’s patients, families and visitors.  Twice weekly, Louise also creates homemade pastries and treats that she brings in as a gift for everyone to enjoy.  Louise is the magic behind the chocolate truffles and red velvet Valentine cupcakes and a multitude of other delectable treats that appear at her window.

Regional Hospice and Palliative Care would also like to thank our Danbury Giving Circle volunteers who work tirelessly to organize these fundraising breakfasts to garner community support in the form of advocacy and fundraising.