Swinging Away the Grief

Losing a loved one can be tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for young people.

But a unique program created by the Hospice of Petaluma aims to help children and teenagers overcome the grief they feel as a result of losing a relative or friend.

The program is called Grief Relief and will be the focus of fundraising efforts at this year’s Clo’s Golf Classic set for Friday, Aug. 24, at Rooster Run Golf Course.

Grief Relief offers individuals and group support in many formats throughout the year, as well as a daylong camp, “Still My Parent,” held each spring that gathers children and teens together in support of each other and their families.

It's also just one of the many services that Hospice of Petaluma provides to the community.

"Hospice provides invaluable services to families during a very emotional and challenging time,” Clover Stornetta Farms’ Marketing Director Joanie Benedetti-Claussen said. “It is important to keep this organization strong for our community. The annual golf tournament is a notable contribution toward this effort and we are humbly honored to be a part of it.”

Clo's Golf Classic benefits Hospice of Petaluma's work of providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Grief counseling and support services are also provided to hospice families and members of the community. All services are provided at no charge to patients and families and are supported by donations from the community. 

Registration for the golf classic is now in full swing. Clo’s Golf Classic features two full event tee times (6 a.m., and 1 p.m.), golfers will enjoy breakfast and/or lunch and dinner, along with tee prize, games and giveaways on the course, silent auction and a celebration, “Fund the Cause.”

The event’s “Fund the Cause” guest speaker is scheduled to be Dan Benedetti, Chairman of the Board of Clover Stornetta Farms.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to raise necessary funds for this great cause,” Benedetti said.

“As a leader in our community, we are honored to have Dan share his journey with us,” said Cheri Plattner, event coordinator.

The celebration will take place at the end of a day of golf, under the sailcloth tent.

Hospice of Petaluma, Memorial Hospice and North County Hospice are part of the integrated continuum of care provided in the North Coast region by St. Joseph Health, Sonoma County.

To participate in this great day of sport, fun and philanthropy, please contact Cheri Plattner at Hospice of Petaluma: (707) 778-6242 or cheryl.plattner@stjoe.org

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