Lightways Hospice Guild

The History

In 1985, the leadership of what was then known as Joliet Area Community Hospice spoke at a meeting of the Women of Rotary. In that talk, they shared that the all-volunteer, fledgling hospice organization didn’t have funds to cover basic needs like postage.

That inspired the formation of the Hospice Guild. The women saw a need and worked quickly to fill it. Founding members included Pat Anderson, Dorothy Brown, Jeanette D’Arcy, Janice Esler-Conway, Kay Ray with Dorothy Brown serving as the first president.

Then and now, the purpose of the Guild is to serve and support the mission of Lightways with public relations and fundraising activities.

Currently, the Guild plans and hosts two main events each year:

The Annual Card Party. This is a lovely afternoon of cards, bunco or mah-jongg held at the Cantigny Post 378 VFW in Joliet. A boxed lunch is included, and wonderful baskets are raffled off.

Puttin’ on the Glitz. This great tradition has been the kick-off to the holiday season for 35 years! Tickets will go on sale in September for the November event.

There are fifty-seven active and associate members of the Guild with leadership provided by the Executive Board including Connie Russell, President, Kathy Giegerich, Vice President, and Lorraine Lucenta, Treasurer. Jeanette D’Arcy, Kay Ray and Janice Esler-Conway were founding members who continue to serve.