Tidewell Signature Luncheon Raises Funds for Hospice Care

Photo: Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO, Empath Health, Tom Stuhley, Tidewell Foundation Board, Jan Miller, Caldwell Trust Company, and Delesa Morris, Interim President, Tidewell Foundation.

SARASOTA, Fla. (March 6, 2023) – Nearly 600 people attended the Tidewell Foundation’s 14th Annual Signature luncheon Friday, March 3, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota. The Signature Luncheon is the Tidewell Foundation’s largest fundraiser benefiting Tidewell Hospice’ and Empath Health services reaching more than 10,000 people each year in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Former Army Major and Bronze Star recipient Dr. Sudip Bose was the keynote speaker.

Dr. Bose shared compelling lessons from his experiences on the battlefield and working in emergency medicine that attendees could use to cope with stress in their lives. He also discussed the importance of preparation for life’s challenges. “You have to prepare in peace time for war time. You have to sweat in peace so you don’t bleed in war,” Dr. Bose said. “Similarly, you too must prepare, we all must prepare for the end of life. Our life is defined by two days—a birth date and a death date; between them is a dash and you have to make the most of that dash.”

“This year we choose to honor area veterans and highlight our Tidewell Honors Veterans program,” said Delesa Morris, Interim President, Tidewell Foundation. “Our veterans program provides specialized care for military veterans and their families and recognizes their service and sacrifice.  It was an honor to welcome Dr. Bose, who served in Iraq, and today is heavily involved in veterans care through his own foundation.”

Donor support makes the Tidewell Honors Veterans program possible. Tidewell Foundation also helps fund charitable care, grief support services, complementary therapies such as music and expressive arts and other Tidewell Hospice services.

Caldwell Trust Company was Signature Sponsor of the 14th Annual Signature Luncheon, and Northern Trust was the Sustaining Sponsor. A complete list of Signature Luncheon sponsors can be found at tidewellfoundation.org/news-and-events/events/signature-luncheon.