Celebrity Waiter Returns for Its Ninth Year to Support Doey’s House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Karen M. Giffin, Associate Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer
301.791.6360
kmgiffin@hospiceofwc.org
Hagerstown, MD, September 3, 2026—Celebrity Waiter Returns for Its Ninth Year to Support Doey’s House
You can’t spell fundraiser without fun, and this fall, Hospice of Washington County is bringing plenty of both back to Hagerstown.
On Friday, November 6, 2026, the Celebrity Waiter Gala returns for its ninth year, bringing together local leaders, businesses, friends, and supporters for an evening of dinner, friendly competition, and philanthropy at Meritus Park. From 6 to 10 p.m., celebrity waiters from throughout the community will compete to raise funds in creative ways, all with one goal: supporting the patients and families cared for at Doey’s House.
This year, longtime Washington County community leaders Andrew Serafini and Tom Newcomer will serve as VIP Celebrity Waiters. For both men, supporting hospice is much more than a night of fundraising. Their connections to Hospice of Washington County are deeply personal.
A Community Close to Home
Andrew Serafini was born and raised in Washington County and has spent most of his life in the Hagerstown area. He and his wife, Diana, will celebrate 43 years of marriage this year and have four children, three children-in-law and nine grandchildren. His faith has long shaped his commitment to serving others and giving back to the community he calls home.
After graduating from North Hagerstown High School and Shippensburg University, Andrew built a career in financial planning and serves as president of Serafini Financial Services. His commitment to his community also led him to public service, representing Washington County in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2008 to 2015 and the Maryland Senate from 2015 to 2020.
Andrew's support of Hospice of Washington County became deeply personal when his mother spent the end of her life at Doey's House. Years earlier, while serving in the Maryland General Assembly, Andrew had helped secure a legislative grant for Doey's House and spoke at its ribbon-cutting. At the time, he never imagined that one day his own mother would receive care in the very place he had helped make possible.
"When I was able to work to get a Legislative Grant for Doey's House and speak at the ribbon-cutting, I had no idea that one day the facility would mean so much to my sister Alison and me," Andrew says. "The care she received in such a lovely setting was beautiful in a very difficult time." Experiencing that care firsthand reinforced for Andrew the importance of having compassionate hospice care available close to home. "When we are facing one of the toughest times in our lives, it is helpful to have such an amazing organization that we can count on to provide comfort and care to our loved ones and us," he says.
Now, as a VIP Celebrity Waiter, Andrew has an opportunity to give back to the same place that cared for his mother. And when asked what he is most looking forward to at this year's event, his answer captures the spirit of Celebrity Waiter perfectly: "Raising a ton of money and having a fun night."
A Shared Commitment to Hospice
Like Andrew, Tom Newcomer has deep roots in Washington County and a personal connection to the hospice care he is helping support.
A lifelong Washington County resident, Tom grew up in Smithsburg and earned his bachelor's degree from Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College. He later received a graduate degree in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America and an MBA from American University. After spending the first decade of his career with IBM, Tom returned to the jewelry industry and took over R. Bruce Carson Jewelers in Hagerstown in 1993, where he serves as president and owner.
Tom and his wife, Esther, have been married since 1984 and have two children and five grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and has spent years involved in community organizations and church ministries. For Tom, Washington County's close-knit community and the way neighbors support one another are among the reasons he has remained rooted here.
His connection to Hospice of Washington County began when he was invited to serve on its board. Over time, that commitment became deeply personal. When Tom's father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, hospice provided care and support during the final chapter of his life. Years later, Tom's mother received care from Franklin Hospice after being diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer.
Those experiences gave Tom a firsthand understanding of what hospice care can mean for an entire family. "It allows the family to be family again, not just caregivers," Tom says.
Now, as a VIP Celebrity Waiter, Tom has another opportunity to support a mission that has touched his own family. By helping raise funds for Doey's House, he hopes to ensure other patients and families in Washington County have access to the same kind of compassionate support when they need it most.
Raising Funds and Having Fun
That spirit of community and service will be at the center of Celebrity Waiter. Throughout the event period, celebrity waiters are challenged to find fun and creative ways to raise money while competing for the coveted Silver Platter Award. Every dollar raised benefits Doey’s House and helps Hospice of Washington County continue providing compassionate end-of-life care to local patients and families.
Guests can purchase individual tickets or choose the VIP experience with Andrew and Tom, which includes a seat at the VIP table, red carpet escort, champagne toast, enhanced cuisine and an enhanced swag bag. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations that want to support the event and Hospice of Washington County’s mission.
For Andrew, supporting hospice is one of those decisions people can make knowing their generosity will have a direct impact. “When it comes to Hospice, you can be certain that you made a wise decision that will have huge impact,” he says.
Join Us
Celebrity Waiter Gala
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6 p.m to 10 p.m.
Meritus Park, 50 W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown
All proceeds benefit Doey’s House.
Purchase tickets or become a sponsor
For more information, contact Hospice of Washington County at 301-791-6360 or howc-info@hospiceofwc.org.
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