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Hernando Today

Hospice Event Needs Sponsors

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: January 18, 2009

SPRING HILL - Convincing local businesses to sponsor a fashion show during a sputtering economy has been a monumental challenge for three local women.

Two of them own a local boutique and have organized three shows that generated thousands of dollars. The other has a history of reeling in throngs of people to raise money for charity.

After three months and only a cluster of sponsors, the women admit they are getting desperate.

The recession is making it difficult for everyone.

"We've got to reach these people," said Carole Sanek, who was recruited to emcee the March 7 fashion show. "It's not, 'Hey we have this big fashion show.' They need to know we're raising money for hospice."

Every year the Fine Lines Fashion Show is held at the Palace Grand. The proceeds go toward Hernando-Pasco Hospice - a non-profit group that provides care for terminally ill patients in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties.

Lois Dias and Janet Schuller own the Fine Lines Boutique, located at 1361 Kass Circle in Spring Hill.

"We've gone down avenues we haven't gone down before," said Dias of their efforts to attract sponsors. "Small businesses have supported us in the past, but we're finding it much tougher this year."

The women have five $100 sponsors. They want to attract $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 sponsors. Those are the ones who will benefit with more exposure and prizes.

The organizers are expanding their reach beyond Hernando County. They want to get the word out in all areas where hospice serves. They have sent media releases and have approached previous sponsors in person and over the phone.

Some are expected to sign up in the future, but the women need more.

Sanek, who raised more than $6,000 by herself in 2006 for breast cancer awareness, visited her friends Friday at the boutique.

They said they are satisfied with their ticket sales. They expect another sellout, just like in previous years.

The show also is a luncheon and it is held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Palace Grand, located at 275 Della Court.

This year, there will be 28 models - from young women in their 20s to seniors. They will model designer clothes from Nueva, City Girl, Jovani and Linda Lundstrom, just to name a few. The style of outfits will include casual wear and evening gown.

For them, the motivation is to raise money and awareness for the local hospice. Both Dias and Schuller have dealt with them in the past. They came away grateful with all that was offered.

"Having hospice made it a lot easier," said Dias, who asked for their help with her ailing mother years ago. "They told me what I needed to do and I was appreciative of that. They were there at the house with her and with me. They offered me all the equipment and knowledge that I needed."

Hospice relies on flat rates from Medicare, Medicaid and a couple mail solicitations per year. Otherwise, the non-profit group gets its funds from donations and fundraisers held by local businesses like Fine Lines, said hospice spokeswoman Evie Parks.

The fashion show also will include appearances from Channel 10's Reggie Roundtree and live entertainment.

There are "perks" involved in being a sponsor, Sanek said. They range from company banners displayed at the show to free tickets. A gold ($500) sponsor earns four tickets. A diamond ($5,000) sponsor is awarded 10 tickets.

To learn more about sponsorships, call Fine Lines at 352-688-8843.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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