“You have one life to live, and it’s not a dress rehearsal!”

Those words of encouragement by Paulette Greenberg, joined by her husband, Dr. David Greenberg, were advice to a crowd of almost 450 honoring them at the May 6 Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care’s annual Illuminations luncheon.

In the day’s video, David said his goal “is to add life to your days, not necessarily days to your life.”

More than $110,000 was raised for the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation “to ensure Pikes Peak Hospice turns away no one who needs their care, regardless of insurance status or financial means,” said Susan Edmondson., executive director of the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation.

The guests and supporters learned more about Pikes Peak Hospice’s impact on the community and recognized the Greenbergs, who were honored with the 2026 Quality of Life Award in recognition of “their spirit of optimism and care for others.”

For five decades, the Greenbergs have always been there for the nonprofit and philanthropic scene as champions of heart health, education, community service and inclusion and dignity for all, Edmondson said. They are also the founders of the Greenberg Center for Learning & Tolerance.

Speakers pointed out “their commitment to improving quality of life in our community continues to inspire generations. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, generosity,and unwavering dedication to serving others.”

Pikes Peak Hospice President Dawn Darvalics shared how the organization — the only nonprofit hospice in El Paso County — is rising to meet growing demands for service. On a typical day, about 274 patients are in Pikes Peak Hospice’s care — a 52% growth over the past two years. In 2025, the organization served almost 2,000 patients and their families.

Roxanne Eflin shared the story of her mother, Joanne Garrison: a wife, mother, musician, historic preservationist, community development leader and a spirited force for good in Manitou Springs. As Garrison approached her final days, she was cared for at Pikes Peak Hospice’s Inpatient Care Center. Said Eflin: “Everyone — regardless of their financial means or insurance status — deserves the quality of care our mother received from Pikes Peak Hospice.”

Sponsor Renee Behr described the luncheon on Facebook: “The room was filled with stories of love, grief, dignity, compassion, and the sacred moments that happen when families say goodbye to someone they deeply love. There were tears, gratitude, laughter, and reminders that no one should walk through the end of life alone.”