San Diego Hospice Unveils New Donor Wall and Dedication of Manpower Lobby

Event recognizes donor support for the 35-year old nonprofit organization

Through a generous gift from Phil and Catherine Blair, and Mel and Linda Katz, owners of Manpower San Diego (a worldwide leader in employment services), the San Diego Hospice Inpatient Care Center Lobby was renamed the Manpower Lobby and dedicated in loving memory of their dear friend Ronald H. Kendrick. Mr. Kendrick was a former patient on San Diego Hospice service, a prominent executive with Union Bank, and beloved husband of San Diego Hospice Board Member, Cheryl D. Kendrick.

San Diego Hospice President and CEO Kathleen Pacurar, and City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, welcomed 150 of San Diego’s noted philanthropists and business leaders to the invitation-only event on April 10, which also showcased the unveiling of its new Donor Wall that will allow the nonprofit organization to acknowledge and thank its many donors throughout its 35-year history, as well as future donors. Former San Diego Hospice Board Member and Interior Designer, Kristy Brehm designed the new Donor Wall. Ms. Brehm’s father, James Bradford, was responsible for the artistry of the Wall’s signature “giving tree” symbol.

“Over the past 35 years, we have been honored to serve our community in providing the highest quality of care for adults and children living with a serious illness,” said Kathleen Pacurar, President and CEO of San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “And, as a nonprofit organization, philanthropic support is vital in helping us carry out our mission and our new Donor Wall will allow us to recognize the tremendous support we receive from the community."

San Diego Hospice is the county’s original and largest nonprofit hospice program, caring for more than 1,000 patients each day and providing grief and loss support to more than 12,000 individuals each year. In addition to patient and family care, San Diego Hospice is the only academic hospice program in the region, through its Institute for Palliative Medicine, which trains and educates more than 4,000 healthcare professionals each year and hosts the largest physician palliative care training program in the nation.

"Our commitment to the San Diego community is reflected in the generous support we receive from the community – whether through individual donations, planned giving, or corporate contributions,” said Traci Bruckner, Chief Development Officer for San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “We are so grateful to Manpower San Diego, Phil and Catherine Blair, and Mel and Linda Katz, for their generous support of San Diego Hospice services.

Guests included Conrad Prebys, Vi McKinney, Ellen Dolgen, Judy White, Salah Hassanein, Maureen and Charlie King, Steve and Marjorie Cushman, Hal and Mary Sadler, Doug and Alice Diamond, San Diego Hospice Founder Dr. Doris Howell, and many others. Photos from the event are available by clicking here.

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