Seasonal Fundraiser ‘Planting the Seeds of Hope’

As 175 women attended an annual brunch to raise funds for a Stow bereavement support center, many shared a common experience along with the food and laughter.

They initially had come to The GriefCare Place to heal from the death of someone in their lives. In its 15th year, The GriefCare Place, located at 4499 Darrow Rd., is a non-profit organization that has provided bereavement education and support to more than 4,300 individuals. 

“Our mission has rippled out so much more that we cannot count the people who have never come through out doors, yet whom we have indirectly touched,” said Executive Director Lou-Ann Redmon, a bereavement facilitator. 

Trustee President Tom Stephan of Stow, introduced Loree Vick, a Cleveland native, as the keynote speaker. A former television news producer, anchor and reporter, Vick is now a senior public-relations and media adviser for University Hospitals and on the advisory board for its psychiatric department.

Vick shared the story of her own personal grief and healing with those attending. “People say I am really strong, but it is really the strength of the people who have helped me along the way,” she said. 

Citing the support and advice she received from others, Vick said she in time learned to recognize, accept and heal the loss. “No matter what your crisis in life is – and it doesn’t have to be a death – you have to learn to take things in increments. I do believe that if we do our best, miracles will happen,” Vick said. 

Having taken place April 30 at Todaro’s Party Center, located at 1820 Akron Peninsula Rd. in Akron, the theme for the 2011 ninth annual Blooming Brunch to benefit The GriefCarePlace was “Planting Seeds of Hope.”

Having raised $8,500 at last year’s event, the goal for this year’s brunch was $12,000, although the total raised was not yet available, Redmon said. 

At the brunch, Stephan announced The GriefCare Place announced plans to further collaborate with the Cornerstone of Hope, with which it has been working for five years. 

For more information about The GriefCare Place, call 330-686-1750 or click here.