A Record-Breaking Night: South Shore Health’s Luminaria raises $345,000 for Home Care

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Kristen Perfetuo
kperfetuo [at] southshorehealth.org
Chris Oddleifson, Rosemary Phalen, and Jim Phalen pose for a photo at South Shore Health's 2021 Luminaria event.
2021 Luminaria honorees Christopher Oddleifson (left), Chief Executive Officer of Rockland Trust Company, and Rosemary (middle) and Jim Phalen (right) of Duxbury.

A warm summer night at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy set the stage for this year’s Luminaria event - a special evening dedicated to supporting South Shore Health’s Home Care Division.

On Wednesday July 14, more than 280 community members gathered together to raise a record-breaking $345,000 for South Shore Health’s Home Care Division, including Hospice of the South Shore and South Shore Visiting Nurses Association (VNA). Attendees also paid tribute to Rosemary and Jim Phalen of Duxbury and Christopher Oddleifson, Chief Executive Officer of Rockland Trust Company. Named “Home Care Champions,” the three guests of honor received unique Luminaria medallions and were recognized for their unwavering commitment to South Shore Health and other health care programs and services vitally important to the community.

“Luminaria is all about supporting our Home and Community Care Division, and home care is all about supporting patients of all ages, and their families,” said Allen L. Smith, MD, MBA, President & CEO of South Shore Health. “Rosemary, Jim and Chris light the way for compassionate and transformative care on the South Shore. They are healthcare champions and wonderful examples of dedication, generosity and service.”

The Phalens have a rich history with South Shore Health, beginning with Rosemary’s pledge to patient-centered care. A former nurse at South Shore Hospital, Rosemary helped establish The Pregnancy Loss Support Program which offers services to those experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Embracing South Shore Health’s mission of healing, caring and comforting, the Phalens also helped develop the Supportive and Palliative Care Program at South Shore Health – which aims to improve quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses.

“Both Jim and I are deeply honored to be selected as Luminaria medallion recipients,” said Rosemary. “To receive this award and to be recognized by our peers is humbling. Our involvement with South Shore Health has been a fulfilling and important part of our lives.”

Sharing the Phalens pride for South Shore Health is Christopher Oddleifson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockland Trusts parent company, Independent Bank Corp. Active in industry and community affairs, Oddleifson has served in various roles on the boards of South Shore Hospital and South Shore Health Foundation. He is currently on the Board of Directors for South Shore Health and is a member of the South Shore Health System Finance, Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees.

“Chris is a visionary with a strong leadership track and a deep commitment to community development,” said Helen Garvey, Vice President, Commercial Bank Division for Rockland Trust Company. “His foresight and guidance has helped shape and strengthen South Shore Health’s presence in the community.”

This year’s Luminaria included a silent auction where attendees could bid on unique items and one-of-a-kind experiences via QR codes on their smartphones. The event ended on a high-note when Master of Ceremonies, WCVB-TV reporter Peter Eliopoulos led participants through an ambitious “Raise the Paddle.”

Providing care in the comfort and familiarity of one’s home for a variety of medical needs is why Luminaria has become such an important event. Funds raised from this event help support more than 180,000 VNA and hospice home visits to patients in 33 South Shore towns.

For more information about Luminaria, contact Angela Floro at (781) 624-8142 or AFloro [at] SouthShoreHealth.org, or visit our website.