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Honoring Compassion: A Beautiful Afternoon with Hospice Austin

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

Each year, I look forward to the Beauty of Life Luncheon hosted by Hospice Austin, a tradition that has become both meaningful and deeply personal for me. Held at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin, this year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary. More than 1,000 attendees filled the grand ballroom, creating a powerful sense of community and shared purpose. Even more inspiring, the luncheon raised an incredible $1,000,000 to support Hospice Austin’s mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care.

I’m especially grateful to my dear friend Rachel from Independence Title, who always makes sure that tickets are secured for herself, my daughter, and me. Supporting Hospice Austin is a cause that touches my heart, and Rachel’s thoughtfulness allows us to be part of this special gathering year after year.

Hospice Austin walked beside my late husband, Geno, and our family during the final four months of his life. Their extraordinary care, marked by kindness, empathy, and even gentle moments of humor, carried us through one of life’s most emotional journeys. They didn’t just care for Geno; they cared for all of us, becoming an extension of our family during a time we needed it most. I will forever be grateful for their compassionate presence.

This year’s keynote speaker, the remarkable James T. Farmer III, brought warmth, wit, and insight to the stage. A celebrated Southern author, interior designer, and speaker, James has an uncanny ability to make every room, and every story feel like home. His heartfelt message, including the touching story of donating a kidney to his sister, resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. As a special treat, I received a copy of his book Home Again.

Hospice Austin will always remain at the top of my list of meaningful causes. Supporting them is my way of giving back, ensuring that other families receive the same tender, dignified care that meant so much to us. Their work is a beautiful reminder of what compassion can do, and I am honored to stand behind them year after year.

 

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Comments(21)

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Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Sorrento, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Dorie Dillard Austin TX what a wonderful event and the appreciation that you have for them being there for you. By the way, you look faboulous 💐

Nov 16, 2025 05:26 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Hi Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308 ,

They made such a difference for our family with the passing of my Geno. I love attending the event each year. Thank you for your kind words!

Nov 16, 2025 06:57 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. Few think of Hospice until their services are needed. My personal experience of the care provided to my mother-in-law has made me a supporter over the years. They deserve support. 

Nov 16, 2025 05:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Yes Wayne..they do need our support and glad to hear you had the same experience and continue to support them.

Nov 16, 2025 06:58 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Good morning, Dorie. 
I've found Hospice very caring, and like you said, their support extends to the family. It's a wonderful organization.

Nov 16, 2025 06:12 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Yes it is Carol Williams which is why I always go to the luncheon and support them through my donation.

Nov 16, 2025 06:59 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

Good Morning Dorie Dillard Austin TX   The reality of hospice care is the comfort it gives the sick and the families as the transition is made and allowing for dignity.

Nov 16, 2025 06:56 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Hospice cared for my mother and gave her dignity in her passing: no machines or tubes, just a quiet release to the other side.  We also appreciate Hospice and all it brings to our area.

Nov 16, 2025 07:20 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

They do make a very trying time a lot easier on the family. We do have a lot of good people in the world (some evil as well).

Nov 16, 2025 07:59 AM
Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

Great turnout for the event!  What a great organization and one I'm sure you are proud to be a part of!  

Nov 16, 2025 08:28 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday morning, Dorie. Sadly, I am not familiar with the hospice facilities in our area.

Keep up your good work!

Nov 16, 2025 08:52 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thanks for sharing, make it a great Sunday and enjoy your remaining weekend! Bill 

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Nov 16, 2025 09:29 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Miss Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

"They didn’t just care for Geno; they cared for all of us, becoming an extension of our family during a time we needed it most. I will forever be grateful for their compassionate presence."

The people who dedicate their lives to hospice care are truly angels here on Earth. They truly have a special gift from God that allows them to be there for others in such a meaningful way. 

Definitely a worthy cause to support! 

I love the Feature photo! 

Nov 16, 2025 09:44 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dorie- I remember this annual luncheon. Hospice has been there for my mother-in-law and a wonderful friend in FL. They are special angels. 

Nov 16, 2025 10:23 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie this is not only a worthy event to attend, but it has even mor meaning because you have a personal relationship with it.

Nov 16, 2025 11:41 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dorie Dillard Austin TX 
So wonderful that you are able to interact with the Hospice Austin group that assisted you at your time of need. As most of the other comments reiterate, hospice support is very helpful. It certainly was for our family.  Lynn

Nov 16, 2025 12:56 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hospice volunteers are truly walking angels helping people  in need of love and support.  So glad they were there for Geno and your whole family Dorie 💞 I too know what a huge support they are when loosing a loved  one.  As I said.....walking angels💝

Nov 16, 2025 02:19 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

That sounds like an amazing organization and I'm glad you are able to support them.

Nov 17, 2025 05:35 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

It's definitely an amazing organization that does a lot of good for a lot of people!

Nov 17, 2025 06:43 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Dorie, sure sounds like a worthy charity to attend, and they sure did a great job in their donations!

Nov 17, 2025 09:44 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a heartfelt share, Dorie Dillard Austin TX. Thank you for opening up about such a meaningful experience 🙂. The way you captured the spirit of community, compassion, and personal connection makes the message resonate deeply, and I’m grateful you put it into words. Your reflections remind us how powerful kindness can be, and I truly appreciate you passing that along.

Nov 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. Great post and great opportunity to spread the word with a feature today in BananaTudes.

 

Nov 18, 2025 05:22 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Bless you all for what you go through and what you do on a regular basis and the tremendous amount of heart that you get to each situation.

Nov 23, 2025 05:26 PM