Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) will host The Light Shines Ahead 4th Annual Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 10, in person at the Rincon Beach Club. The event will feature emcees Win and Ed Van Wingerden, steering committee chair Marybeth Carty, and guest speaker Virginia Benson Wigle.
Benson Wigle’s husband John was diagnosed with and ultimately passed away from cancer within a year. During their experience with grief they developed a vision for a space where individuals could share their journeys of loss and, ultimately, of renewed hope.
Following his passing, Virginia launched a storytelling online site called Our Story, named after John’s last words to her, and with it, the Starfish Connection, a nonprofit offering bridge gap grants to individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks financially.
Our Story and the Starfish Connection share the mission of providing individuals the space to be seen, heard and honored through storytelling, gap grants, and educational resources.
“We are so thrilled to have our 4th Annual The Light Shines Ahead Luncheon make its return to an in-person event,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “After holding the event virtually for the past two years, we know that this year’s event is going to be extra special. We hope you join us to be inspired by Virginia’s tale of light after darkness.”
The Light Shines Ahead is the annual fundraiser for CCC, an initiative of Hospice of Santa Barbara that offers programs and services, free of charge, to anyone in Carpinteria who is grieving the loss of a loved one, or struggling with a life-threatening illness.
CCC provides services to adults, children and seniors. All services are offered in English and Spanish throughout Carpinteria.
Visit www.CompassionateCareofCarpinteria.org to purchase tickets and sponsorships. Additionally, visit CCC’s website for more about the Opportunity Drawing.
For more about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.