Sip & Savor: A Celebration With Purpose
A Lifeline Of Hope for Prince George’s Families
PHOTOS APPEAR COURTESY HOSPICE OF CHESAPEAKE
On a crisp November afternoon inside the stately Newton White Mansion, the inaugural Sip & Savor: A Taste of Prince George’s offered more than fine food and good company. It offered hope. It offered connection. And it delivered something this community has long understood: when Prince George’s County comes together, lives truly change.
Hosted by Hospice of the Chesapeake on November 9, the event raised nearly $16,000 — essential funds that will support neighbors facing some of life’s most vulnerable moments. From hospice care and grief counseling to emotional, spiritual, and specialized support for veterans and children, Sip & Savor proved how powerful a single afternoon of generosity can be.
A Feast With a Mission
The event delivered a celebration of the county’s culinary talent. Guests moved from table to table sampling savory and sweet dishes crafted by beloved local partners — Bennett Caterers, ButterQueen Bakery, and Plan it to the T – Planning & Catering. With music floating through the mansion and glasses raised in cheer, the atmosphere was festive, elegant, and unmistakably Prince George’s.
Yet beneath the sparkle lay a deeper purpose.
“Hospice is about dignity, comfort, and the humanity we owe one another,” said Becky Miller, President and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake. “We gather not only to celebrate the flavors and culture of our county, but to honor the heart of our community — the people who care for one another, especially our aging neighbors and their families.”
Her words resonated as she shared a remarkable statistic: in 2024, the organization cared for 742 Prince George’s County patients, providing nearly 45,000 days of care.
“That’s 45,000 moments of comfort, dignity, and connection,” Miller said. “And this work is possible because of partnerships — local hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living centers, community organizations, and especially our faith-based communities.”
Stories That Bind Us Together
The event’s emotional center came from Joyce Phillip, Board member and longtime supporter, who offered intimate stories of how hospice care guided two families through difficult transitions.
“Today is a time to share our stories, reflect, rejoice and recommit,” Phillip said. “Let this be more than a gathering. Let it be a beginning — a commitment to care, to educate, and to walk with our neighbors through every season of life.”
In those moments, the purpose of Sip & Savor crystallized: fundraising is not just about dollars. It is about ensuring that no family must navigate illness, caregiving, or grief alone.
A Community That Gives — and Gives Back
The event closed with a stirring violin performance by Alexander Strachan, a Maryland-National Capital Park Police officer known for bringing music to hospice patients and community events alike. His performance underscored the interconnectedness of service, healing, and compassion — the very values Sip & Savor celebrates.
Hospice of the Chesapeake extended heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors, whose support made the event possible:
Savory Sponsors: K & I Healthcare Services, LLC; NPOC Wellness and Hydration; Dr. Errol and Joyce Phillip
Artisan Sponsor: Mary Frances and Chris Isakov
Flavor Sponsors: Visiting Angels Hyattsville; Tim McDonough and Cary Melnyk; 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County
Why These Fundraisers Matter
Events like Sip & Savor are not simply social gatherings — they are lifelines. They sustain essential, often unseen work that brings dignity to the final chapters of life and supports families long after loss. In a county as diverse, dynamic, and compassionate as Prince George’s, these moments of collective giving ensure that every neighbor receives the care they deserve.
Sip & Savor was a celebration — of food, of community, and of shared responsibility. But above all, it was a reminder: when Prince George’s County comes together, healing happens.
