The Whatcom Hospice Gala: A night of gratitude, generosity and community
Whatcom Hospice Foundation reflects on 25 years of service and the generosity that sustains its mission
The Whatcom Hospice Foundation has supported compassionate end of life care in our community for 25 years. That mission was honored at the 2025 Light the Night “Under the Silver Moon” Gala, held in November 2025.
The event marked 25 years of donor support and the enduring impact of hospice care in Whatcom County. Guests gathered in a room filled with shared purpose. Thanks to remarkable generosity, the gala raised a record $730,290 dollars to ensure hospice care remains accessible to all.
Donors make compassion possible
The night was filled with stories that reminded everyone why donor support matters. WHF raised money to support people like Babs and Gene, and their stories show how generosity brings comfort, dignity and connection.
Babs lived alone and struggled with end stage lung disease. Constant coughing fits left her exhausted, isolated and deeply depressed. When hospice staff began visiting her at home, everything changed. They helped manage her symptoms and restore her strength. With her cough under control, Babs was able to go out with friends again. In her final chapter of life, she found peace, comfort and meaningful connection. Donor support made that possible.
Another powerful story is Gene’s. Gene was a Vietnam veteran whose service had never been formally recognized. Hospice staff took the time to learn his story and honor his life. A hospice chaplain arranged for National Guard members to visit Gene, salute him and present him with a service certificate.
Gene wept with gratitude!
Funds from the gala support clinical care, bereavement programs, home services, hospice house care, palliative support, volunteers, equipment, therapies and comfort resources. Donors are essential to our Mission. Their generosity ensures equitable access to care and dignity at life’s end.
One anonymous donor shared their reason for giving.
“I give to Whatcom Hospice because everyone deserves dignity, comfort and compassion at the end of life. Supporting this work means supporting my family and our entire community.”
If one word defined the night, it was gratitude. Gratitude for caregivers. Gratitude for families who trust hospice. Gratitude for donors who make this work possible year after year.
Thank you for supporting the 2025 Light the Night Gala Auction. Please save the date for next year on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Together we will continue to bring compassion, dignity and gratitude to those at the end of life.
