End-of-life care presents difficult decisions for all families. In certain cases, the choice makes itself clear. The moment Nancy Steves lost her ability to eat, her husband Richard picked up the phone and dialed Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

On Monday night, Mr. Steves joined hundreds of others to celebrate the organization that helped him when he most needed it at the annual soiree and fundrasier for Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, held at Farm Neck Golf Club. Founded in 1981, the organization remains only one of three free hospice care centers in the country thanks to generous donations from the community.

“Tonight is about raising money for hospice,” said Terre Young, the outgoing executive director. Ms. Young served the organization for over 15 years. She praised the hospice center’s dedicated nursing staff.

Outgoing executive director Terre Young receives a thank you gift. — Ray Ewing

“We’re here for everyone,” she said. “[Our staff] gives the families and patients the best care. That’s not going to change when I’m gone.”

Patients at most hospice organizations typically need a six-month diagnosis, approval from two physicians and cancellation of life-sustaining treatments to qualify for hospice care. However, because Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is not affiliated with Medicare it does not have to adhere to any bureaucratic limitations. Donations from the local Island community allow patients to pursue ongoing treatment options free of charge, said Tom Hallahan, the incoming executive director.

“Because of the generosity of our community and our benefactors, it allows our clients to determine their outcome,” he said. “Some know their condition’s terminal but they still want to try treatment. We help people live their lives until they’re ready to leave.”

Margaret Oliveira and John M. Gonsalves attended the soiree out of respect for their mother, Mildred H. Gonsalves, who was helped during her battle with cancer at the age of 62.

“When she was first diagnosed with cancer, we had no idea what to do,” said Ms. Oliveira.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard helped administer medication, schedule doctor appointments and provide counseling all in the comfort of Ms. Gonsalves’ apartment.

New executive director Tom Hallahan welcomed the crowd. — Ray Ewing

“[MV Hospice] helped us with more than just the death, they helped us get to that point,” said Ms. Oliveira.

For the event on Monday, the organization received over 120 donated art pieces for its silent auction, a token of generosity from numerous artists with ties to the Island.

“We have a really large team of volunteers who have done this for many years,” said Mr. Hallahan.

Donations from Tony’s Market, Our Market and Your Market provided refreshments throughout the evening. Jaime Hamlin catered the event, serving dinner after the silent auction.

Kevin Carey, president of the board of directors, presented Ms. Young with a farewell bracelet after the dinner. The gift left Ms. Young speechless.

A live auction hosted by John Terrior ended the evening after words of gratitude from Mr. Hallahan. But in reality the evening never ended as those in attendance continued to share their stories.

“You’re never prepared for it,” said Mr. Steves, a Chilmark resident who served as his wife’s caregiver for over 10 years. “Sharing the experience and talking about it; it helps you get through it.”

For more pictures of the event.

Upcoming Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard events include a golf tournament on Sept. 18. For more information, visit hospiceofmv.org.