Hats For Hospice Benefit Planned For May 19

BERLIN -- The public is invited to join Coastal Hospice on Saturday, May 19 for its annual party, this year with a new Hats for Hospice theme celebrating the Maryland tradition of the Preakness Stakes, while also honoring a woman who is one of the most generous individuals and successful business owners on the lower shore.

The Hats for Hospice Preakness Party will be held at Emma’s Breeze Farm in Eden on the banks of the Wicomico River from 4-8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward uninsured or under-insured hospice patients. The guest of honor is Susan Kuhn Purnell, longtime Coastal Hospice volunteer and benefactor, who will receive the Coastal Hospice Charter Society Anchor Award.

“Susan is truly part of the life of Coastal Hospice, so much so that people with questions about our services sometimes call her first,” says Coastal Hospice President Alane Capen. “Susan has been instrumental in the progress and growth of Coastal Hospice. We are deeply grateful for her dedication to those we serve”.

Since 1995, Purnell has contributed to Coastal Hospice in many ways, including two terms on the Coastal Hospice Board of Directors and President of the Friends of Coastal Hospice. She currently serves as Chair of the Coastal Hospice Development Committee, overseeing fundraising for the organization. Her fundraising efforts include the annual Jack Purnell Chris Thomas Tennis Tournament, which has raised more than $150,000 for Hospice since its inception.

She has also served on many other charitable organization boards and committees over the years including Urban Salisbury, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, the Salisbury University Orchestra and the Community Foundation, the Lower Shore advisory council to the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Bay Area Council’s Development Committee. Last year she was named the Girl Scout’s Woman of Distinction for the Lower Shore, and she is past winner of the “Spirit of Philanthropy” Award from The Wellness Community of Delmarva.

Purnell is a third generation owner of Kuhn’s Jewelers, which is the sixth oldest independent jewelry store in the United States. Kuhn’s is a previous winner of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business award and Maryland Chamber of Commerce “At Your Service Award”.

In addition to honoring Susan, the event will feature a live viewing of the Preakness Stakes, as well as entertainment by the Pam Miller Trio. Preakness hats are optional, but prizes will be awarded to the most creative, best Maryland theme and most elegant hats. For event details and to reserve go to coastalhospice.org or call 410-742-8732.