Granite VNA officially kicked off the celebration of its 125th anniversary serving central New Hampshire with its annual “Passion for Caring” fundraiser on Wednesday, May 1, at The Barn at Bull Meadow in Concord. The annual event and silent auction benefit the agency’s hospice services.
The evening featured cocktails and appetizers, live music, a silent auction, and the presentation of two major awards: The Kay Sidway Award and the Granite VNA Legacy Award.
The Kay Sidway Award is given each year to an individual who has devoted time and energy to the education, nurturing and well-being of families in any one of the communities served by Granite VNA. This year’s recipient is Jennifer Beetle, vice president of Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford.
A long-time resident of the Lakes Region, Beetle’s career has included working with New Hampshire’s Department of Child Protection Services, as a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire, as chair of the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Community Challenge, and as a member and coordinator for the WOW Trail in Laconia. In 2021, Beetle and her husband, Allan, were the initial recipients of the City of Laconia’s “Light of the City” award.
In honor of the 125th anniversary, the Granite VNA Legacy Award, recognizing an individual who exemplifies the agency’s vision, mission and values through their efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of New Hampshire residents, will be presented to Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, who recently announced her retirement. Over her six terms in the House, Kuster’s legislative priorities have included protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering healthcare costs, and expanding access to long-term care. Rep. Kuster has also been a champion of home care and hospice services throughout her career. She co-chaired Granite VNA’s 10-year Hospice House Capital Campaign in 2004 and was instrumental in raising nearly $1 million for the campaign. The successful campaign enabled Granite VNA to make numerous improvements to Hospice House, including the addition of a beautiful garden named in memory of Kuster’s mother, Susan McLane, who served in the New Hampshire House and Senate for more than 25 years. Rep. Kuster also co-wrote a book with her mother entitled “The Last Dance: Facing Alzheimer’s with Love & Laughter.”
“We’re delighted to be able to present these awards to Jennifer Beetle and Rep. Kuster,” said Granite VNA President and CEO Beth Slepian, MBA, PT. “If actions speak louder than words, their efforts on behalf of the families and communities of New Hampshire present a prominent and enduring voice, and all of us are beneficiaries of their great work and commitment to causes like the health and wellbeing of residents of all ages.”
Laconia Daily Sun article, April 4, 2024