The Dilgard Open Golf Tournament has raised more than one million dollars in its 32-year history to benefit Otterbein Hospice. Rev. Howard Washburn founded the tournament in honor of former Otterbein CEO Dr. Charles K. Dilgard, celebrating his 28 years of dedicated service to Otterbein upon his retirement. Each year, the Dilgard Open supports the Otterbein Hospice Every Moment Matters program, which is established in memory of Sarah Dilgard.
Learn more about the unique program in this blog from Otterbein SeniorLife.
Otterbein Hospice Every Moment Matters Program
Otterbein Hospice provides professional, personalized, and holistic medical care to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort for each patient and their loved ones. The goal of hospice care is to help patients achieve peace, comfort, and a good quality of life while also supporting their family and caregivers.
To further enhance Otterbein Hospice, the Every Moment Matters Program aims to make hopes, wishes, and dreams come true for all patients served by Otterbein Hospice. Our hospice care team cares for about 125 patients daily across more than 18 counties in Ohio and works to ensure that families cherish every moment together and are relieved from the stresses of caregiving.
Every Moment Matters is founded on the following basic principles:
- Familiar surroundings – assisting with home and safety accommodations
- Choices – going the extra mile to fulfill special wishes and requests
- Celebrations – focusing on birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays
- Moments with loved ones – offering private rooms for patients, accommodations for visiting loved ones, care and grief support, and assistance with finances
- Increased time with partners – providing bedside vigils, comfort, and peace of mind
Every Moment Matters Resident Stories
Victor and Dorothy’s Story
Victor currently resides at Otterbein Marblehead under hospice care, navigating life after the loss of his beloved wife, Dorothy, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. The couple cherished their time together, enjoying activities and connecting with friends in the Otterbein community. Before moving to Otterbein, they spent countless hours fishing, boating, and running a Lake Erie fishing charter business alongside their two sons.
After Dorothy passed away and Victor faced his own health challenges, his heart was heavy with a heartfelt wish: to bring a bouquet of flowers to her graveside and to take a drive by their old family home, holding on to the beautiful memories they created together. Last fall, on a lovely, sunlit day, that wish came to fruition. Surrounded by the warm, vibrant colors of autumn, Victor lovingly laid a large bouquet of roses at Dorothy’s gravesite, taking a moment to reflect on their life together and the beauty of the world around him.
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Jim and Jeannette’s Story
Jim and Jeannette have been married for over 30 years, and their love story is both touching and inspiring. Before meeting Jeannette, Jim had never experienced marriage, while she was a devoted single mother of two with three beloved grandchildren. When they joined their lives together, Jim embraced his new roles as a father and grandfather with warmth and dedication, bringing joy to their blended family from the very beginning.
Now, as Jim resides in memory care under hospice, both of them find themselves missing the simple pleasure of sharing special meals together. To honor their enduring connection, a romantic dinner for two was thoughtfully arranged. They shared a meal of angel hair pasta with marinara sauce, Jeannette’s favorite dish. In that moment, the true depth of their love shone in Jim’s eyes as he gazed at Jeannette with such affection, creating a beautiful memory for them to cherish together.
Learn More About the Dilgard Open and Every Moment Matters
For more information about the Otterbein Hospice Every Moment Matters Program, please visit our website. You’ll also discover details on the Dilgard Open Golf Tournament, including how to register or be a sponsor.
