Palm Beach, Florida, January 16, 2012 – Those that are superstitious might not leave their homes on a Friday, the 13th, for fear of bad luck - but that myth didn't seem to be on the minds of any of the more than 300 guests who attended the 2012 Hospice Evening on Friday, January 13 at The Breakers.

The annual Hospice Evening is well known as the event where fashion and philanthropy meet for one of Palm Beach's most elegant affairs. Hosted each year by the Palm Beach Membership of Hospice Foundation of Palm Beach County, the 30th anniversary Hospice Evening honored Helen Messic, Honorary Life Chairman and others who have supported Hospice over the years. Helen Messic's daughter, Amanda Schumacher and her husband Chuck Schumacher served as Chairmen for the Hospice Evening. Cathy and Jack Flagg served as Co-Chairmen, and Lynn Homes and Sharon O'Neil were Honorary Chairmen.

The evening began with a Champagne Reception followed by its signature Fashion Show Presentation - the Oscar de la Renta 2012 spring collection that included daytime, cocktail and evening attire, proudly presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach. Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager Rebecca Jobo had the pleasure of introducing the evening's special show. Saks Fifth Avenue has graciously supported the Hospice Evening since its inception nearly three decades ago. Its commitment and generosity makes the Hospice Evening one of the most impressive events Palm Beach has to offer.

Following the fashion show, guests moved into the Venetian Ballroom at The Breakers and were met by a room delicately awash in yellow with beautiful yellow roses throughout the room. Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing by the Bob Hardwick Orchestra.

Also during the evening, Chairwoman Amanda Schumacher introduced a video devoted to her mom, Helen Messic, who is the visionary behind the creation of the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach. Twenty-five years ago, Hospice of Palm Beach County broke ground on the Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach – at the time, the only facility of its kind to be built in the Southeast. Helen Messic is credited with helping to bring the first permanent Hospice Center to Palm Beach County.

Along with the Chairmen, a sampling of those attending the 30th anniversary Hospice Evening included: President of the Palm Beach Membership of Hospice Foundation of Palm Beach County Rex Ford, Helen Messic, Anita and Sam Michaels, Hillie Mahoney, David Rosow, Richard and Cynthia Callahan, Sam and Vicky Hunt, Alton and Sharon O'Neil, Henry and Lynn Homes, Pat Cook, Robert Nederlander, Bill and Kit Pannill, Mark Cook, Lore Dodge, Beau and Jackie Breckenridge, Cater and Alice Randolph, Desmond and Ann Heathwood, Rob and Micah Ford, Ben and Katie Alexander, Renee Wood, Ginny Burke, Rebecca Jobo, Boaz Mazor, Dave and Jennifer Fielding.

The Palm Beach Membership of Hospice of Palm Beach County, Inc. provides vital funds to support the programs and services of Hospice of Palm Beach County, Inc. through its annual Hospice Evening. This event has served as a cornerstone of the Palm Beach social calendar year after year. Hospice of Palm Beach County provides expert medical, emotional and spiritual care for individuals with a life-limiting illness and their loved ones.