Food Network Star Helps Hospice of Michigan Kick Off 30th Birthday Celebration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospice of Michigan, one of the oldest and leading providers of hospice and palliative care in Michigan, will welcome Food Network reality star Duff Goldman to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, September 14, and Wednesday, September 15, 2010, to kick off its 30th birthday month, which concludes with the Crystal Rose Ball fundraiser, an annual black tie event at Detroit's historic Masonic Temple on Saturday, October 2, 2010.

Long before Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance companies began offering hospice benefits, Hospice of Michigan stood by individuals who needed its services --- ensuring quality care, compassion, and dignity at end-of-life. It is currently one of the largest non-profit hospice providers in the nation, providing care to all who seek it, regardless of their ability to pay, through its Open Access Program.  

Duff Goldman, who is well-known across the nation for his over-the-top edible cake creations, is the star of Ace of Cakes, a reality television program on the Food Network, and the owner of Baltimore-based Charm City Cakes. He will be on hand to help Hospice of Michigan celebrate its birthday with a book signing and speaking engagement.

Book Signing

On Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 PM EDT, Goldman will sign his book, Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes, for West Michigan residents at Schuler Books & Music, a local and independent bookstore, in downtown Grand Rapids. The book, which is a New York Times best-seller, is available for purchase at the store, with the proceeds designated for Hospice of Michigan's Open Access Program.

Speaking Engagement and Unveiling of Birthday Cake

Goldman will also speak at DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday, September 15, at 7:00 PM EDT. He will share stories and information regarding his rise to fame and hit show. Following his presentation, Goldman will unveil Hospice of Michigan's 30th birthday cake, and attendees will enjoy a cake reception in honor of this milestone anniversary. Tickets for this event are available at www.ticketmaster.com.  

Crystal Rose Ball Event

The annual black-tie event, which also supports Hospice of Michigan's Open Access Program, will be held at the historic Masonic Temple located in Detroit, Michigan on October 2, 2010, beginning at 6:30 PM EDT. A cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment, featuring performances by the Mosaic Youth Theater and local favorites, the Royce and Jen Band, will be included. Valet service will also be provided. Tickets, priced at $250, can be purchased by calling 313.578.6269 or by visiting www.hom.org.

"For 30 years, our staff has provided compassionate care to Michigan residents, regardless of their age, diagnoses, or ability to pay," said Dottie Deremo, CEO of Hospice of Michigan. "We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with the 'Ace of Cakes,' our Crystal Rose Ball, and our supportive, dedicated community, and we trust this will be an exciting event for all involved."

SOURCE Hospice of Michigan