In Lieu of Gifts: a Young Couple’s Way of Giving Back

In lieu of gifts, soon-to-be newlyweds Jenn and Ryan Wharton wanted to do something special to “give back.”

“We already had a fair amount of belongings needed to start our lives together,” Jenn said. “We felt that God has already blessed us in so many ways, and we wanted to be a blessing to others. What better way to start a marriage than to give rather than receive?”

Ryan and Jenn chose two organizations for their guests to donate to in lieu of wedding gifts. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton was the first organization that came to mind. Both Jenn’s grandmother and grandfather passed away in the years prior, and her family used the services of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. 

“The kindness we were shown was unforgettable.
I’m amazed by the mission and all that the staff did for my family,” she said.   

It seemed like an obvious choice to give back to an organization that had given her family so much support. While many of their wedding guests were surprised by their “registry” of choice, they happily donated to the cause.

In 2016, a short time after their wedding, Ryan’s grandfather fell ill, and began receiving care from Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. He later passed away at the Hospice House inpatient care center. “We were amazed by the facility and even more so by the staff,” she said. “We will continue to support Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton whenever we can.”

Gifts to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton can be given in surprising or unique ways. You can turn your special occasion into a way to give back through gifts in honor of a loved one. If you would like to make a difference, click here.