The Circle of Life (COL) Hospice Foundation held its Dignity Dinner on April 11, at the Nugget in Sparks.

The First Annual Gala included 252 guests many dignitaries, community leaders, philanthropists and supporters of the COL Guest House, celebrating the success of helping people at the end-of-Life pass in a peaceful and comforting environment. Since the Guest House opened in June 9, 2024, over 50 individuals have died with dignity at the Guest House located in Midtown Reno.

“Circle of life Hospice Foundation Guest House provides a place of compassion, dignity, and care. This unique social model hospice guest home offers a tranquil and supportive environment for those in their final stages of life. What sets it apart is its commitment to providing these services completely free of charge to patients and families who cannot afford room and board or caregivers, truly reflecting the spirit of generosity and community support.”

The Guest House, a two-bedroom structure, was donated to the COL Hospice Foundation by Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Donating the property was “the best thing I have ever done,” said Weiss. The donation enabled the Guest House to begin operations.

During the Gala Dinner which also served as a fundraiser, COL Administrator and Foundation President Michelle Cagle announced the property would be named the Lawrence J. Weiss Guest House. Since the Guest House opened there has been a wait list of people needing its service. For this reason, the property will eventually be sold to purchase a larger property able to accommodate the growing need. “For every one person who becomes a guest at the house, another 4 to 6 people are waiting for a bed,” said Foundation Vice President Chaz Blackburn.

Since its opening, the Guest House has served people of all ages, however, most guests (79.3%) are seniors 65-years and older, with 51.7 percent being male and 48.3 percent female. The average age is 75-years ranging from ages 47-99. Fifty-one-point-seven percent had a diagnosis of cancer, and 32 percent a diagnosis of dementia. Other diagnosis included heart disease/failure, malnutrition, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Those interested in donating to the Guest House can visit www.colhospice.com/foundation, which is a 501(c)(3), ID #56-2282350.Donations can be mailed to: Circle of Life Hospice Foundation, 1575 Delucchi Lane, Ste. 24, Reno, NV 89502/775-827-2298.