Harvest Fest 2020

Event Overview

This year, our annual Hospice Harvest Fest has been transformed into a unique at-home experience. Supporters will be able to bring fall into their homes with a happy hour basket, dinners prepared by local restaurant partners (see sponsorship details), and an online program; to celebrate the achievements of Hospice Buffalo, and acknowledge our treasured volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

Chair Couple: Dave & Jeanette Zygaj

Hope, Care & Dignity Award Recipients: Cathy & Michael McGovern

Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo is dedicated to caring and supporting all people, no matter what the diagnosis or prognosis may be. We are here to comfort, to guide, and to support our patients and their families.  

On behalf of all Hospice staff, volunteers, and board members, thank you!  Your support ensures that we always have a Hospice & Palliative Care program right here in Erie County to serve our families, friends and neighbors during their most critical times in life.

Online Auction is OPEN!

Friday, October 9, 2020 through Friday, October 16, 2020 

Click "items" in top left corner to view and bid

2020 Hope, Care, and Dignity Award

This year's Hope, Care, & Dignity Award recipients are Cathy and Michel McGovern. Cathy and Michael's support of Hospice has been unwavering over the past 30 years.  Cathy and Michael were the ones who founded Hospice's most successful fundraiser, the Spring Bouquet Sale.

This award is the highest honor given out by Hospice. Both Cathy and Michael have been loyal advocates, supporters, and volunteers for Hospice.

Their involvement with Hospice began when Michael's father passed under Hospice care 38 years ago. They were so touched by the care Michael's father received and wanted to give back to the organization.

Cathy and Michael own Trillium's Courtyard florist and thought it would be a good idea to put together a bouquet sale and raise money for Hospice. Cathy called on her local florist friends and 16 florists came together to put on the first annual Hospice Spring Bouquet Sale. Little did they know this grassroots fundraiser would take off and blossom into the largest fundraiser for Hospice!

Next year will mark the 35th Annual Hospice Spring Bouquet Sale, and over those years, the Bouquet Sale has raised over $6.7 million, and sold over 700,000 bouquets to the Western New York community!

Every year over 40 local florists, 450 schools, businesses and organizations, along with 600 volunteers participate in this weeklong event. Without Cathy & Michael's vision, dedication and hard work the Hospice Spring Bouquet Sale would not be what is it today, a true staple in the Western New York Community!

Cathy has also been an active member on the Hospice Foundation Board and Signature Society as well as the Hospice Harvest Fest committee.

Not only does she help secure sponsorships and donations each year, she also creates the beautiful floral centerpieces and decorations for the Harvest Fest. Cathy has a real talent to bring whatever vision to life to make a ballroom feel like a "Night under the stars", or a beautiful fall forest. The Harvest Fest would not be the same without her touch!

Cathy and Michael, thank you so much for your unwavering support to the mission of Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo. It is because of your hard work and dedication that we are able to provide compassionate care to our patients and their families. Congratulations on your award tonight, it is truly well deserved. Your time, talent, and support is appreciated more than you know!