Annual “Backyard Bash” raises funds for Lamar Area Hospice – honors Deb Pelley who is retiring as Executive Director and Rose Ann Adame-Yates who is stepping down as Hospice fundraising chair

Lamar Area Hospice Executive Director Deb Pelley (left), and Hospice Fundraising Chair Rose Ann Yates share a sweet moment at the recent Backyard Bash event (All photos are courtesy of Karen Voepel Photography)

The Annual “Backyard Bash” fundraiser for the Lamar Area Hospice was held August 29, 2026 at the Lamar Eagles.  The event, Hospice’s largest fundraiser of the year, featured live music, dinner and dancing and the always-popular live and silent auctions. All proceeds from the Backyard Bash directly benefit Lamar Area Hospital to support end-of-life care, palliative services, grief programs and more.  Last year, The Lamar Hospice Fundraising Committee was able to write a $90,000 check to Hospice as a result of their Herculean fundraising efforts from this as well as their other fundraising events.

This year’s Backyard Bash was a bittersweet one, as Executive Director Deb Pelley recently announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2026.  In a heartfelt Facebook post, Pelley said “Representing this organization and serving our wonderful communities in Southeast Colorado has been among the most fulfilling and gratifying experiences of my life.  As difficult as it is to imagine my world without Hospice at its center, I have decided that the end of this year is the right time for me to step down.  Events over the last few years have reinforced for me how important family is.  I believe timing is everything, and I feel this is the right time for both me and Hospice. Thank you for partnering with me, especially in the early years as I stepped into a completely foreign career path as the leader of this remarkable organization.  I am deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship you have given me throughout my hospice journey.  I am confident that the organization is in very capable hands and is well positioned for a bright future.  It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve alongside so many compassionate people who are committed to caring for our communities”.

Lamar Area Hospice Fundraising Chair Rose Ann Yates also made the recent decision to step down after 25 years in that role.  She said “there is a “wonderful and capable committee in place and I will continue to support them wherever I can”.  Rose Ann has also been the Executive Director for the Southeast Colorado Two Shot Goose Hunt for 30-plus years and President of the Southeast Colorado Arts Council for more than 35 years.  She has been on the VALE Board for 20 years, 7 of which were as Chairperson as well as volunteering for the Tri-State 911 Committee for 3 years.   “My plan is to slowly step down from fundraising and committees so I have more time for my family and traveling.  Over the years, I have enjoyed fundraising and supporting this wonderful community that I’m so blessed to be part of”.

Deb Pelley and Rose Ann Yates were all smiles as they were recognized for their years of service

Both women were presented with beautiful bouquets of flowers in appreciation of all their work throughout the years.  Thank you, Deb and Rose Ann for everything you have done and no doubt will continue to do for Lamar!

By: Barbara Crimond