Sylvia Rochin Selby

North County Times

If you missed "Shades of Spring" last weekend, a luncheon and fashion show at Ocean's 11 Casino hosted by Hospice of the North Coast Auxiliary -- too bad. You missed a terrific event. The atmosphere, as it always is with Hospice people, was warm and friendly, the food was scrumptious, and the fashion display put on by Chico of Del Mar was outstanding.

There's more. As usual, the silent auction took place during the social hour, but this time it was primarily art up for bid --- beautiful art, of different sorts, donated by local artists. To make things even better, there was an abundant supply of opportunity prizes (too many to count), and tickets were selling like wildfire. Volunteer vendors could hardly keep up with the sales.

Chairwoman Fran Samhammer was overwhelmed. "It's way beyond my wildest expectations," she said, surprised with the count of 200 guests and the news that the event had sold out. A modest, soft-spoken person (as told by her friends), Fran said the success of the fund-raiser was due not to her efforts but to those of the outstanding committee. They, of course, said it was because of her.

Mary Eacott, executive director of Hospice of the North Coast, was elated. She praised Fran, referring to her as "a lady who doesn't know how to say 'no,' " and praised the women who made it happen. Some were Rosemary Jones, Thelma Poorman, Mig Chaney, Ruth Gimbel, Maxine McIntosh, Jean Newmyer, Abby Peterson, Margie Stogdill, Clarice Bednary, Irene Caligiuri, Lele Walker, Amber Ahmann, Gloria Cotto, Louise Western and so many others.

"I'm so proud of them," continued Mary. "This year, the response (it seems they've done it before, so kudos to Fran and the committee) has been tremendous. We can't wait to do it again next year."

Hospice of the North Coast, a nonprofit organization, provides individualized care for the terminally ill. Its goal is to maintain dignity, comfort and the highest quality of life for those served, regardless of age, race, disability, creed, sexual orientation or ability to pay. To volunteer, donate or learn more, call (760) 943-9921.

5/6/01