OSWEGO, New York — A fundraiser Saturday night in Oswego aims to raise money to build a new hospice center that would allow greater access to hospice care in Oswego County.

The executive director of Anthony House says Oswego County does not have the resources needed for hospice care, but the creation of this facility could be a game-changer for the county.

The fundraiser is a final push to raise the remaining funds Wellhouse Ministries needs to build a new hospice facility in Hannibal, located in Oswego County.

Kateri Spinella, executive director of Anthony House, believes having palliative care available in Oswego County is critical.

The comfort care home we are bringing to Oswego County is critically important because we do not have a facility where people nearing the end of their lives can stay and receive 24-hour care.

Spinella says that building this facility is his life’s goal and that Anthony House will provide specially trained staff and volunteers who will offer 24-hour care and support services in a warm and loving environment to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the residents. .

The man who designed the building, Craig Polhamus, owner of an architectural firm, had already experienced palliative care and wanted to create a comforting space for difficult times.

“Twenty-one years ago this month, I had to resort to palliative care for my own mother. When designing this facility, I thought about where I would like to go at the end of my own life.”

Dick Beaumont is a pastor in Oswego and says he frequently speaks with seniors who are worried about receiving proper care in the future.

“As a pastor, I see the urgent need for this and how much more comforting it is for people than possibly going to a hospital.”

Kelvin Ringo is a close friend of Spinella and mentioned that she has invested a lot in building this home due to her father’s struggles with limited hospice options.

She went through this with her father. After everything he went through with that, he felt the urge to make sure others didn’t have to go through the same thing.

Spinella said it would mean a lot to her, and she knows it would also mean a lot to the community to build the facility.

If you would like to help and donate to Anthony House, you can find ways to support them on their website at anthonyhouseoswego.org.

Donations don’t even have to be monetary, as they also accept volunteer work.