VNA’s 25th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon

By Lisa Duncan

The 25th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon benefiting VNA Health was a heartfelt celebration of mothers, caregivers, hospice families, nurses, and all those touched by the nonprofit’s services. The community gathered to help raise funds toward the event’s $410,000 goal supporting charitable hospice care, home health care, and the organization’s Loan Closet.

Opening the afternoon, VNA Health President and CEO Kieran Shah invited guests to pause in honor of National Nurses Week, recognizing active and retired nurses for their dedication and service. One of the event’s most emotional moments came when Melissa Walker shared the story of caring for her mother after two devastating strokes. Walker recalled how VNA Health’s Loan Closet provided essential medical equipment and how hospice staff guided her family through her mother’s final months at home. “It felt like someone was holding our hands through the hardest experience of our lives,” she said.

Master of ceremonies Andrew Firestone introduced teen speaker Eve Sheldon, who shared how her own surgeries, chronic knee injuries, and hearing loss inspired her to create Laguna Blanca’s “Lend and Mend” club
supporting VNA Health’s Loan Closet. A surprise dance performance set to “We Are the World” followed.

The luncheon honored Remembered Mother Nancy Koppelman for her humanitarian work, humor, and compassion. Friends and family remembered her as deeply spiritual and devoted to human connection. “I’ve seen the power of love,” Koppelman once said. “It’s the most healing power in the universe.”

Living Mother honoree Katina Zaninovich, RN, reflected on her years as a visiting nurse with VNA Health, calling it “not just a job” but “a way of life.” Closing the luncheon, she encouraged guests to continue supporting VNA Health’s mission of providing compassionate care regardless of ability to pay.

Shah and McGrath credit the success of the Mother’s Day Luncheon to the 687 people who donate, volunteer, and attend the Luncheon. Lead sponsors included CenCal Health, the Jurkowitz and Levinson Families, Bui and Herb Simon, Chris Toomey, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, The Angels, Aseva, Roberta and Stan Fishman, Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, Hutton Parker Foundation, the Meyer Simon Family, and Honored Mother Katina Zaninovich.

Sightings

Bella Hadid spotted enjoying a brother-sister getaway in Saint-Tropez this week with Anwar Hadid following Cannes… 

Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi confirmed their rumored romance over Memorial Day weekend during a dashing double date in our little Eden… 

Charlie Puth keeping a low profile, balancing new fatherhood with his sprawling Whatever’s Clever!
world tour…

Kenny Loggins the music legend is headed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame while also preparing for the celebrity tournament “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” benefiting Unity Shoppe…

From Richard and friends to all of you… Pip! Pip!