To the editor:

Several members of our community have called me to say they received donation requests in the mail from an organization called The Hospice Support Fund – an independent organization that is soliciting donations “for hospice” in this area. Those faithful donors have become confused and concerned about this solicitation, trying to verify if their donations will be forwarded to us. The answer is “No!”

The Hospice Support Fund is an independent organization. It is not associated, in any way, with Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. None of the donations they collect help to support us financially.

In fact, according to the “disclaimer” on the back of the mailer, 94.10 percent of all the money collected by the Hospice Support Fund in the last fiscal year was spent on “fundraising, administration and public education.” The cost of the publication itself was charged to fundraising and public education.

The mailer does not specifically outline the program services that are supported by the fund. It also discloses that “Your name may be made available to other organizations…” and “…if you prefer your name not be made available, please send a postcard with your name and address to ‘Do Not Share’…” Donations to this appeal could put you on a list for future requests from questionable organizations.

Because we value the donors in our community, we want to be clear. A donation to The Hospice Support Fund does not assist our mission for end-of-life care in our community.  There is no connection between Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and the fund. To read more about the fund’s solicitation in our region, please see The Carolinas Center FB page.  The article begins with “Attention All Hospice Providers.” For more information see  http://www.hospicesupportfund.org/disclosure.php.    The Hospice Support Fund is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any local hospice or with any local hospitals in the nation except The New Hope Foundation. The Hospice Support Fund is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any local hospice or with any local hospitals in the nation except The New Hope Foundation.

Thanks to our wonderful community, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills continues to offer excellent hospice care, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.  Thank you for your continued support.

-Submitted by Diane Nelson, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills