Angela Hospice commemorates generosity of The Riley Foundation

Angela Hospice held its annual Light Up A Life gala in October, to benefit charitable programming for terminally ill patients and their families. While the annual event, themed “You Are The Star,” honored all guests and those connected to Angela Hospice, there was an extra special “star” at the event: platinum sponsor The Riley Foundation.

During his opening speech, Angela Hospice Business Development Manager Bob Alexander presented Kimberly Riley Fouts from the Riley Foundation with a plaque and an engraved bench in honor of all the work the foundation has done for Angela Hospice over the years. The bench was inscribed, “In Gratitude to The Riley Foundation,” with the quote “To love is to give,” by Blessed Mary Angela, foundress of the Felician order.

“The Riley Foundation is a stellar example of agencies and individuals in the Metro Detroit area who generously pave the way for profoundly compassionate work to thrive in our community,” said Alexander. “Their continuing devotion to Angela Hospice is an inspiration in our drive to help patients live more fully, and families find peace of mind.”

The friendship between The Riley Foundation and the Felician Sisters goes back much further than Angela Hospice. Its founder, George F. Riley, has been connected to the Felician Sisters since his childhood. His father, Frank Riley, worked as chief engineer for the Sisters for 36 years. Mr. Riley even grew up on Felician grounds, where his family lived in a house still known today as “The Riley House.”

After serving four years in Navy Aviation, Mr. Riley opened a television repair shop in the 1950s. His small shop grew into a staff of over 500 and eventually became Clover Technologies, Inc. In 1998, Clover Technologies was sold to Ameritech but Mr. Riley kept the Wixom building, which housed his world headquarters. This was eventually sold to Channel 56 in 2005. After giving a generous donation to Channel 56 they dubbed their broadcast center “The Riley Broadcast Center.”

Over the years the Rileys have helped a variety of causes but there’s a special interest with Angela Hospice. George’s wife Dolores and both of his parents received Angela Hospice’s care.

For more information about Angela Hospice programs and events, visit AskForAngela.com, or call (734) 464-7810.