News Summary
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont hosted its annual awards dinner to honor dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Key awards, including the Kenneth Jack Parham Award and Heart of Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award, were presented to recognize exceptional contributions. The event also highlighted the organization’s commitment to community service and the significant impact of volunteer hours contributed toward patient care.
Abbeville, SC – Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont (HPCP) hosted its annual awards dinner on May 1, 2025, to celebrate National Volunteer Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of its dedicated volunteers. The event took place at The Terrace in Abbeville, where numerous volunteers were honored for their exceptional service and commitment to supporting individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.
Among the awards presented, David Tompkins was recognized with the prestigious 2025 Kenneth Jack Parham Award for his outstanding leadership and support within the organization. Tompkins holds the position of senior vice president at Countybank and plays a significant role on the Foundation and Hospice boards, serving as the chair of the Hospice board.
The 2025 Heart of Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award was jointly awarded to Ginny Vose and Geraldine Stone. Vose has demonstrated 14 years of service, contributing her talents in various roles, including Advance Care Planning and volunteer recruitment. Stone, affectionately known as “Ms. Christmas,” is celebrated for her enthusiasm and unwavering dedication as a volunteer at the Hospice Store.
Additionally, the 2025 Heart of Community Award was presented to Self Regional Healthcare, acknowledging its long-standing partnership with HPCP. This collaboration has been vital in establishing hospice care in Greenwood and continues to support palliative care services. Brent Parris and Linda McDonald accepted the community award on behalf of Self Regional Healthcare.
Recognition of Volunteer Service
During the event, HPCP also honored volunteers who logged remarkable volunteer hours, totaling 10,762 hours of service. The organization pays tribute to dedicated individuals reaching significant years of service milestones:
- 30 years: Cuba Turman
- 20 years: JoAnn Goard, Patricia Smith, Helen Watkins, Dot Wood
- 15 years: Valerie Sykes, Barbara Callinan, Ronnie Goard, Donna Holtzclaw, Sylvia Tollison
- 10 years: Diane Easterlin, Mary Ellen Guido, Karen Grogan, Emma Harling, Gail Hoobler, Kathy Kelly, Nancy Masterson, Marie Miller, Susan Pinckney, Leslie Sanford, Joyce Smith
- 5 years: Mattie Christopher, Lyn Cothran, John Eichelberger, Ruth Glasl, Deborah Smith
Legacy volunteers who have consistently demonstrated their dedication over the years were also recognized during the awards dinner, reinforcing the spirit of community service that defines HPCP.
Background Context
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont is committed to providing compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The organization relies heavily on volunteers who play critical roles in various programs and services that enhance the quality of life for patients and families. National Volunteer Week presents an opportunity for HPCP to show appreciation for the essential work its volunteers undertake throughout the year.
This annual dinner not only recognizes individual contributions but also highlights the strong partnerships HPCP has established within the community and the collective commitment to improving care for those in need. The commitment from both volunteers and community partners like Self Regional Healthcare demonstrates the ongoing support for hospice and palliative care services in the Piedmont area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Hospice & Palliative Care Celebrates Its Volunteers
- Legacy: Helen Pullin Obituary
- Independent Mail: Obituary
- Greenville Online: Obituary
- The Advertiser: Business Buzz
- Wikipedia: Hospice
- Google Search: Hospice Care
- Google Scholar: Palliative Care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Palliative Care
- Google News: Hospice and Palliative Care
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
