Celebration, recognition and a whole lot of aloha filled the air as Heart’n Soul Hospice welcomed employees and their guests to the Annual Recognition Gala held at the beautiful Omni PGA Frisco Resort, which hosted attendees who traveled from across the country. The purpose of this gathering? To celebrate the accomplishments, dedication and commitment demonstrated by each individual throughout the past year.
Guests arrived at the gala in the early evening and were greeted by a vibrant luau-inspired atmosphere. Colorful leis were handed bestowed on each attendee by the Hula Halau Kaeepa dance troupe. Tropical décor and festive island attire set the tone for an unforgettable night and attendees fully embraced the theme, trading business wear for Hawaiian shirts, floral dresses and bright, fun accessories that added energy and excitement throughout the event.
The evening offered something for everyone. Guests enjoyed festive cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres upon arrival as they captured memories with friends and colleagues at the red carpet and selfie photo booths. They were then ushered into the ballroom to take their seats and enjoy interactive entertainment provided by the talented Hula Halau Kaeepa dancers.
As the awards presentation began, guests enjoyed a delicious salad course awards were presented showing a deep appreciation for all the hardworking and compassionate teams across the country. 2026 Honorees include:
Heart’n Soul
- Outstanding Patient Care Provider: Elizabeth “Ava” Bratcher, Hospice Aide, Nashville
- Outstanding Team Player: Janice Jackson-Haley, Volunteer Coordinator, Seattle
- Clinical Excellence: Christina Cruz, Patient Care Manager, Miami North
- Best in Sales and Marketing: Karmen Kirk, Director, Business Development, Seattle
- Integrity in Action: Alasha Keels, Executive Director, Tallahassee
- The Unstoppable Spirit Award: Alasha Keels, Executive Director, Tallahassee
- Final Recognition: Alasha Keels, Executive Director, Tallahassee
As trophies were presented, the room filled with applause, cheers and heartfelt appreciation for the individuals who consistently go above and beyond in service to others and photos were taken to showcase the moment.
When the program concluded, the main course was served while the DJ kicked the celebration up a notch by playing crowd-favorite songs and quickly filling up the dance floor. Throughout the night, the immersive 360-spin video booth and selfie station kept guests entertained and the interaction with colleagues made the experience unforgettable.
As the evening progressed, one thing became abundantly clear: the Annual Recognition Gala serves as more than an event. It is a celebration of the people whose commitment to excellence and compassionate care that make Heart’n Soul’s mission possible.
The 2026 Annual Recognition Gala was a true celebration of excellence, gratitude and aloha spirit! Mahalo to everyone who helped make the evening such a tremendous success – especially to Jody Watson, Denise Drucker and Kimberly Dellinger and their teams. These women worked tirelessly planning every detail and coordinating all logistics to create memorable experiences for attendees.
by Wendy Van Bemmel