"It was a great showing of support," said Anthony Crosen, hospice director of development. "We had a huge turnout for the event and it was amazing to see so much support."
About 1,000 people attended the hunt at Woodley Farm, which featured point-to-point, cross-country horse races, and other family-oriented events.
Besides raising funds, Crosen said that the event — which will now be an annual affair — helps raise awareness of the hospice and its efforts to provide care and support to terminally ill patients and their families.
Blue Ridge Hospice was formed in Winchester 26 years ago and has expanded to include Frederick, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Clarke, and western Loudoun counties.
"There are many aspects to what we do," he said. "We offer care for patients and programs like music and pet therapies, but we also offer support and grief counseling for their families."
Hospice has about 130 employees and more than 275 volunteers. The organization’s annual budget is nearly $10 million.
Crosen said that the funds will go toward establishing a second residential care center to augment the current center in Winchester. A location has not yet been determined.
The current eight-bed residential center is on the fourth floor of the 333 West Cork St. medical facility — which houses hospice’s administrative offices. The center opened in November 2004.
Other fundraisers are being planned for the future — including the annual Lights of Love event on Dec. 1, hospice’s annual calendar, its annual 5K race in October, and other events.
For more information about hospice, call the administrative offices in Winchester at 540-536-5210.
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