Kaufman Rossin in the Community: Trustbridge Hospice Foundation

Entrepreneurial Services Principal Meredith Tucker shares her experience working with the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. 

Which organization are you involved with and what is its objective?

I am proud to serve as a board member for the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. Our mission is to raise funds to support Trustbridge, the leading nonprofit hospice in South Florida. We support families through end-of-life care of their loved ones by providing the funding for extraordinary comfort measures, grief support, music and pet therapies, staff training and education, and children’s programs – all free to the public.

What is your role with the organization?

As a member of the inaugural Broward Foundation board, I’ve worked closely with an extraordinary team to bring awareness and funding to our programs. It’s been very fulfilling to see the success of events such as the Uptown 5K on the Runway, which was hosted in conjunction with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. This September, we hosted a new event, a sold-out virtual bourbon tasting, where guests received samples at their homes and then joined a virtual session to learn from a bourbon expert.

My work with the foundation has been a family effort. My father generously volunteers his time as a relief caregiver. Before the quarantine mandate in response to COVID-19, he regularly visited with terminal patients to hear their stories and provide a watchful eye while the regular caregivers, such as spouses or children, took some much-needed time off. He loved to hear stories from patients or just sit quietly and provide company. His work is a testament to what a big impact small gestures can make in the lives of our neighbors.

Why did you decide to get involved in this organization?

My passion for Trustbridge Hospice began when I experienced first-hand the amazing level of care provided to my paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother. In the midst of the sadness that accompanied losing loved ones, our family was struck by the extraordinary skill, generosity of spirit and loving care shown by everyone at Trustbridge. Their presence and guidance were transformative.

How has Kaufman Rossin contributed to your success with this organization?

Kaufman Rossin supports our employees’ community engagement through sponsorships, jeans day collections, and promotion of causes dear to our hearts. Last year the firm sponsored the foundation’s Dinner and a Conversation event featuring culinary professionals from Air Force One and Two. In addition, my friends and colleagues have generously contributed to my “bail” for the foundation’s annual Jail and Bail fundraiser event held at Stache. It’s wonderful to know the firm is behind me.

What is your advice to others who want to get involved in the community?

The non-profit community in South Florida needs your support now more than ever. COVID-19 has shown how adaptable we can all be. This year, the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation took its flagship children’s grief camp online. The Sea Star program was able to help children cope with change, work on self-esteem, validate their feelings, and connect with other kids their age who were experiencing the loss of a loved one. And even though this free program couldn’t hold its usual outdoor camping event, it was still able to serve the needs of many children in this community who need our support. Find a cause you’re passionate about and put your unique skills to use!