Celebrating 45 Years of Compassion: Greg and Ruth Ann Snook to Host VIP Table at the Celebrity Waiter Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Karen M. Giffin, Associate Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer
301.791.6360
kmgiffin@hospiceofwc.org
Hagerstown, MD, October 24, 2025—You can’t spell fundraiser without fun! Hospice of Washington County (HWC) is thrilled to bring back its beloved Celebrity Waiter Gala Dinner for its eighth year on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Meritus Park.
This lively evening features eight themed dinner parties happening simultaneously, each reflecting a different year from 1980 to the present in celebration of HoWC’s 45 years of compassionate service to the community. Guests will enjoy a night of delicious cuisine, entertainment, and spirited competition as local celebrity waiters raise funds to support Doey’s House, our inpatient care center that provides comfort, dignity, and peace for patients and families.
Celebrity waiters are challenged to raise funds in creative ways—both virtually and in person—throughout the campaign, all while competing for the coveted “Silver Platter” award. It’s an evening of fun, food, and philanthropy, all in support of a great cause.
Spotlight on the Snooks: Leading with Heart
Greg and Ruth Ann Snook will host this year’s VIP Table, aiming to raise $10,000 for hospice programs and services. Their table will feature 16 guests and include elevated cuisine, exclusive red-carpet treatment, and plenty of friendly competition.
For Greg, this event holds personal meaning. His mother received hospice care during her final months—a time he recalls with deep appreciation. “Hospice was incredibly beneficial for my mother and our family,” Greg shares. “The nurses and counselors were compassionate and supportive, not just to her, but to all of us. That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to get involved—to give back for what they gave us.”
Greg hopes to raise awareness about hospice and encourage others to learn about the services available before they need them. This year, he’s even bringing his daughter and son-in-law to the event so they can experience firsthand the impact hospice has on the community. “Many people don’t think about hospice until they’re in crisis,” he says. “But it’s such a valuable resource. I want my own children and grandchildren to understand what hospice does and how it can help families when that time comes.”
A Legacy of Community Leadership
A lifelong resident of Washington County, Greg has dedicated much of his life to community service and civic growth. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF), which helped acquire property for the new downtown baseball stadium and now leases it to the Atlantic League’s new Hagerstown team.
Throughout his career, Greg has led and served on numerous boards and commissions that have shaped the region’s progress. He has served as Chairman of the Meritus Medical Center Board of Trustees, Executive Director of the Fletcher Foundation, and Vice Chair and Chair of the Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees. He is also President of the Hagerstown Multi-Sports Center, which oversees the new baseball stadium, and previously served as President of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County from 1990 to 2006. In addition, he is a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland State Roads Commission, and the Maryland Transportation Commission, and has served as Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force for Alternative Energy.
Greg’s deep community roots extend beyond his professional life. Years ago, his family owned and operated a local cemetery—a business his parents purchased and his brother later managed. “We were in the cemetery business for over 30 years,” Greg explains. “My parents wanted to make sure people who didn’t have the means could still have a proper burial, so we often donated plots to families in need. It was about dignity and doing what’s right for others.”
That sense of compassion carries into his support for Hospice of Washington County today. “Even with our background, we didn’t fully understand the emotional and caregiving side that hospice provides before death,” he shares. “Watching my mother go through dementia and seeing how hospice cared for her—and for us—really opened my eyes.”
Though his list of accomplishments is long, Greg says his motivation is simple: “I just love seeing our community grow and thrive,” he says. “Hospice is part of that—supporting families through some of life’s hardest moments.”
Join the Celebration
The Celebrity Waiter Gala is more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration of compassion, generosity, and community spirit. Guests can look forward to a night of laughter, friendly competition, and heartfelt giving, all to support Doey’s House and the mission of Hospice of Washington County.
“It’s a fun evening for a serious cause,” Greg says. “We’ll have a great time, but at the end of the day, it’s about helping families when they need it most.”
For tickets or more information about the Celebrity Waiter Gala, visit https://hospiceofwc.org/events/celebrity-waiter-gala-0
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About Hospice of Washington County
Established in 1980, Hospice of Washington County is the sole licensed hospice care provider within Washington County, Maryland. Dedicated to serving the community during its most vulnerable times, Hospice of Washington County offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to each patient's medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Care is provided wherever patients call home, whether in private residences, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Hospice of Washington County also operates Doey's House, the county's only hospice inpatient unit. In September of 2024, Hospice of Washington County and Gilchrist announced an affiliation agreement and partnered the not-for-profit providers, two of Maryland’s oldest and most experienced hospice, serious illness, and grief and bereavement care organizations. More information is available at https://hospiceofwc.org/.
About Franklin Hospice
A community-based, not-for-profit provider, Franklin Hospice began serving the area in 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. An independent, Pennsylvania-licensed, mission-driven healthcare organization, Franklin Hospice benefits from its relationship with the nearby Hospice of Washington County in Hagerstown, Maryland. That means that Franklin Hospice not only has the advantage of being focused exclusively on serving Franklin County and surrounding areas but also can leverage the experience and clinical expertise of Hospice of Washington County, which has been providing great care to its own community for 45 years.
About Gilchrist
Gilchrist is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, providing hospice, palliative, and geriatric services to individuals and families across the mid-Atlantic region. Committed to compassionate, patient-centered care, Gilchrist ensures that no one faces illness or loss alone.