FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- More than 250 Southwest Floridians with a passion for supporting children and families attended Shine, raising $440,000 to benefit Hope Kids Care Oct. 11 at the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Shine featured an elegant evening with cocktails, dinner, music, entertainment, and a "Fund-A-Need" Live Auction to support the essential services of Hope Kids Care.

A service of Hope Healthcare, Hope Kids Care provides no-cost care to families in need, offering one-on-one children's counseling including art and music therapy, and Rainbow Trails bereavement camp; medical care including palliative and respite care; and support including caregiver education, social services, volunteer support and Hopeful Wishes to meet other family needs.

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"For most families, childhood is a time of growth, development and good health. But for children living with serious medical conditions and grief, there is Hope Kids Care," said Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope Healthcare. "While the program has served children for more than 30 years, there is a vital need to fundraise right now. Incredible community support, like that shown at SHINE, ensures that we can continue to provide Hope to every child in need of comfort through one of our special programs."

Hope Healthcare, which includes Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care programs, is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life's journey. For more information, call 239-482-4673 or visit http://www.hopehcs.org.