Harmon Killebrew and Hospice

 "Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those that have a greater need than our own." - Harmon Killebrew

Save the Date: Home Plate Gala II - Friday, January 17, 2014



Gather with us in support of the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund, dedicated to building Children's Lighthouse of Minnesota, the Midwest's first children's respite and hospice home. 

Architects are fine-tuning the plans, engineers are assessing the site, physicians and care-givers are crafting a detailed operations model for Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota. The public’s awareness of this mission is growing rapidly. Still, thousands of families in Minnesota and our region wait for a residential respite and hospice home designed specifically for kids and those who love them. 
 
Help build this home by reserving your place at Home Plate II: Building the Vision Fundraiser today.
 
Friday, January 17, 2014
5:30-9:30pm 
Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis
$125 per person
 

Dinner will be served among a homescape backdrop and rare Major League Baseball memorabilia. Join us for live music by special guest GB Leighton, silent/live auction and other fun treats. Hear person reflections from families and physicians, and join the advisory council members of the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund for a night you won't forget. Special thanks to our sponsors, including Hays Companies, for their support of this event and mission in our community! 
 
If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship levels, please contact Katie Lindenfelser, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 763-587-1152.

 

The Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund

During his retirement years, Harmon was a spokesperson for the hospice movement and embraced the role it plays at one of the most critical times we face in life. Harmon’s family and friends have created this fund to help Children's Lighthouse of Minnesota build the Midwest’s first hospice and respite home serving children with a shortened life-expectancy and their families. Watch the following short video to learn more about the fund: 



Donate Now in Harmon's Memory! 

 

More about Harmon and Hospice

Harmon experienced the value of hospice care himself. After two near-death experiences, he found his calling to support hospice care. He also saw the need for a special hospice and respite care home for children. He and Nita were involved in early efforts to create a children's hospice in the 1990s, and he frequently made hospice and hospital visits. 

"I have spent the past decade of my life promoting hospice care and educating people on its benefits. I am very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care that hospice provides." - Harmon's last public statement

Make a Key Play

There is a teenage girl right now who is fighting a disease she can't beat. There are parents who would give anything to simply be "Mom and Dad" to their sweet son, instead of managing his catheters and treatments. Many times the family home or a hospital is not the best place for a child to pass. We can build a hospice home that will serve these children and support their families. This home is essential. Today, right now in our lives, this home is achieveable. Harmon was passionate about the value of hospice care and would think that building this home was as important as any of his legendary baseball achievements.

The Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund

Nita and Harmon KillebrewThe Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund merges Harmon and Nita's passions and legacies. First, their work helping children with disabilities to enjoy baseball through Miracle Leagues is well known. Nita and Harmon have created a legacy that will serve children with special needs for many years. What is less known is the passion Harmon had for hospice. Nita feels the Killebrew Fund provides a way to donate to Children's Lighthouse of Minnesota in honor of Harmon, and to enlighten people about the need for a children's hospice and respite care home. Children's Lighthouse of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund is a part of Children's Lighthouse of Minnesota's organization. Donate now in Harmon's name, where your gift will be used to build the first dedicated home in the Midwest. Special thanks to Hackenmuller Meats (Robbinsdale, MN), The Libby Schomas Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, Dedicated Logistics, Inc. and an anonymous donor who matched the first $25,000 in donations to the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund. 

Supporters - Up to the Plate

Hear directly from members of the fund's Advisory Council, Jack and Jennifer Morris, Paul and Destini Molitor, who are showing their support of this mission in our community:

Learn about the Advisory Council to the fund, providing guidance and helping to create awareness for this need in our community.

 

Minnesota Twins Game Event

On Saturday, May 18, 2013 we celebrated the public launch of the Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund at the Minnesota Twins game, appropriately. Click on the link below for a quick recap of the amazing event, and thank you to our generous sponsors for their support!

 

 

January Home Plate Event

The fund was launched on January 18, 2013 at a private event held at the McNamera Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota Campus. The event was MC’d by Brian “BT” Turner of K-TWIN radio (96.3) and there were performances of some scenes from the Ashland Productions “Damn Yankees” that is currently performing at the Maplewood Community Center as well as great jazz music performed by The Reid Kennedy Trio. There was also a very nice display of sports memorabilia from Harmon KillebrewRod CarewScott LeDouxTony OlivaPaul Molitor and Jack Morris.

Click on the link below to see a lovely tribute to the fun evening, produced by Michael Anderson Photography. Event attendees are invited to view and purchase prints -- please visit the proofs website, enter your email address and the session ID is: kidshospice. Please visit his website to view images, but contact him directly for any orders, as all purchase prices are being redirected to the fund. Thank you, Michael and Joannie!