Regional Hospice Sells 115 Tee Signs in One Week for August Tournament

On August 26, 2013, Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut (www.regionalhospicect.org) will host its 3rd annual golf tournament at the Ridgewood County Club (www.ridgewoodcc.com) in Danbury.  And this year, the Chairman of that event is an unlikely candidate:  a local attorney . . . who does not golf. And if you look at this picture of Larry Riefberg, he does not even know what to do with a golf club!

 Far be that from an impediment, however, last week, on Larry’s birthday (January 5), he set a challenge for himself: to sell 55 tee signs in honor of his 55th birthday.  And he set a goal of ONE WEEK to meet this accomplishment.  Much to his amazement – and the amazement of the Hospice organization - that goal was realized in 24 hours!

 So, Chairman Riefberg, managing partner of Riefberg, Smart, Donohue & NeJame, PC (www.rsdn.com), decided to “DOUBLE DOWN” on the challenge and attempt to sell 110 signs within the week.  Ellen Maron, Manager of Special Events for Hospice, proclaimed: “You are an inspiration to all of us!  Not only are your efforts a testament to your commitment to our worthy mission, but they are a true testament of your character and how well regarded you are throughout the community.”

As of the publishing of this article, 115 tee signs (like the one in pictured here) have been sold – raising over $22,000 for the Hospice organization.   “Your act of kindness and gratitude is exactly what we all need to heal. Words cannot adequately describe how grateful we are for your support and your advocacy of our mission,” wrote President and CEO, Cynthia Roy-Squitieri after Riefberg announced that the challenge had been met. 

 Hospice has been involved in facilitating conversation and support with the greater-Newtown community on behalf of the “Healing Hearts” program.  Hospice staff have been actively engaged with people impacted by the shooting and whose lives were forever changed by the events of December 14.  In addition, Hospice has embarked on a capital campaign to build a 35,000 square foot facility on six acres of tranquil wooded property in Danbury which will bring all aspects of the agency under one roof: in-patient suites with balconies, The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families and clinical and administrative functions as well.

 For more information on the golf tournament and EVENT SPONSORSHIP opportunities including a GREEN FLAG (now framed and shown in the picture with Chairman Riefberg), Tee Signs, Angels, Hearts or golf foursomes, please contact Larry Riefberg directly (lriefberg@rsdn.com) or a member of the Golf Committee or the Regional Hospice at 203-702-7400. Committee members include former Chairmen Chip Neumann, Jim Foley and Brian Crotty as well as Meg Riefberg, MaryBeth Prunty, Danielle Durgy, Angelina Valentini, Jerry Benziger, Robert Salaga and Michael Retter.