Published: May 15, 2008 11:00 am      

Pennies From Heaven event brings in thousands to Hosparus

Charlie Rigsby usually donates loose change he collects to the St. Jude’s Orphans Picnic. This year, he decided to share his wealth to another worthwhile cause.

Wednesday was the annual day when people of all ages brought change, dollar bills and checks to 624 E. Market St. in New Albany to help fund Hosparus — still known by some as Hospice of Southern Indiana, which provides end-of-life care to thousands in the area.

The event, called Pennies From Heaven, is held each year, to not only honor donors, but volunteers as well. Refreshments and tours were provided to people after they dropped off donations.

“The main thing is I know this is a good cause,” said Rigsby, after being asked why he picked Hosparus for his giving. “We’ll keep coming back.”

Many regulars keep coming back, according to Vonya Gresham, director of volunteers for Hosparus. She said she sees a lot of the same faces each year.

Gresham said the Pennies From Heaven fundraiser lasts most of the year. But each May, a day is picked out to thank those who bring in donations. Last year, almost $10,000 was raised through individual donations.

“We take anything,” Gresham said smiling. “It doesn’t matter if it’s coins or bills. Some people come in with checks. This is our gift back to those who donate. They can come in, look over the facility and meet our volunteers.”

Hosparus is the region’s leading hospice-care provider, serving more than 4,000 patients annually in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The money raised throughout the year will benefit Hospice patients.

Besides Pennies From Heaven, other fundraisers during the year include the Barbecue Bash and the Fashion Show.

Volunteer Gayle Hack, who was taking donations, was afraid the rain might keep people away Wednesday. She said at 1:30 p.m., she was waiting for the big push, which was expected around 3 p.m.

Volunteer Colleen Barnett said many people have been touched by Hosparus and want to help following their experience. Hack agreed and said Hosparus “is a wonderful organization.”

“You never hear anyone say anything bad about Hospice,” Hack said. “I think people appreciate us.”

Tim Eberle with Hosparus said Wednesday’s event was volunteer driven “like many of our events.”

“It gives people a chance to come in and see the volunteers who have maybe cared for a family member,” Eberle said. “But this is an event where everyone can participate in. Everyone can save pennies. It’s not like you have to buy an expensive ticket to an event.”