The Ryan Newman Foundation

By Chyna Broadnax | Statesville R&L Published: March 16, 2010

Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County is celebrating the beginning of a new era.

Its 26th annual meeting and dinner was held Monday night at the Statesville Civic Center to share memories of past accomplishments and to plan for the future.

"With all the achievements of the past we want to focus on where we're heading," said Hospice President/ CEO Terri Phillips.

A throng of corporate sponsors, volunteers, employees and others whose lives have been touched by Hospice gathered for the annual event.

An oversized check was presented to Phillips and Hospice Board Chairman Walt Jones from the State Employees Credit Union. The gift of $250,000 is a big boost to the organization's capital campaign, "Willing Hearts, Helping Hands.

"The gift will fund the Gordon Hospice House expansion.

"Their gift is making this venture a reality," Phillips said.

The donation from SECU brought the Hospice campaign to $1.6 million -- 89 percent of the $1.8 million goal.

Six rooms will be added to Gordon Hospice House, which opened in September 2005 and has served nearly 800 patients.

In 2009, 276 patients were served, an all-time high, Phillips said.

Other speakers during the event were the Medical Director Kevin Ridenhour, Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce President David Bradley and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman.

Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 winner, spoke about the Ryan Newman Foundation's partnership with Hospice.

He and his wife Krissie have a personal connection with Hospice after having used its services for her grandfather.

"(Hospice) is something we know is important for all families," Ryan Newman said.