• A More than Healthy Turnout at Septembers AfterHours and Health & Wellness Expo

    September 20, 2019

    NETWORKING - Over 100 business leaders enjoyed the festivities at Hospice of Kona at the September AfterHours with the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC). Each month, Chamber members and prospective members gather together to meet, greet and connect with colleagues in West Hawai’i. This month’s gathering was extra special with an added Health & Wellness Expo designed to raise awareness of local resources.



    Laura Varney, CEO of Hospice of Kona, welcomed the crowd and 
    explained the organization’s approach to end-of-life care with a focus on family, compassion and comfort. She highlighted services including in-home care and Nakamura Hale, an alternative home-like setting situated on a coffee plantation in Holualoa. She also pointed out that Hospice offers bereavement services that greatly help community members impacted by the loss of someone close to them. She elaborated, “It’s really tough for children to lose a significant person in their lives. For this, we offer Camp Erin, a free weekend bereavement camp for youth.”  

    Chamber members were moved by Varney’s words. This included Teri Leicher, former KKCC board member, who joined Laura on stage and presented a $5000 donation to Hospice of Kona in honor of Leicher’s parents who both received end-of-life care from the organization.

    Throughout the evening, attendees engaged withexhibitors at the Chamber’s Health and Wellness Expo set up in the Hospice meeting room. This included representatives from health centers, insurance providers, CPR training, private practice, education and more. Dean Fuke from HMSA stated, “We are very pleased with the turnout. This was a very successful event!” Fuke and others in the KKCC’s Health & Wellness Committee planned and participated in this lively expo that enhanced this popular AfterHours event hosted by Hospice of Kona.

    About the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce:

    The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit member organization that exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawai’i. AfterHours, the Chamber’s premier networking event, is scheduled each month and includes refreshments along with a short program and ample time to network. These events are hosted by Chamber members typically at their place of business and open to members and prospective members. To learn more about attending AfterHours or joining the Chamber, go to www.kona-kohala.com, email info@kona-kohala.com or call 808-329-1758.