Renee and Walter Eppard & Tidewell Foundation

By Tom Reese | Photo by Nancy Guth

When Tidewell Foundation was established in 2020 to simplify and streamline philanthropy efforts for Tidewell Hospice, Renee and Walt Eppard had already been established donors and passionately involved in Tidewell Hospice, which was established 40 years ago and is the region’s only not-for-profit hospice care organization. 

The Eppards

Renee and Walt have been married for 45 years and have spent their entire lives right here in Sarasota. Renee spent the better part of her life working as a Real Estate broker specializing in corporate relocation, property management, real estate sales and development. She retired in 2007 and eventually got involved volunteering for the Ringling College Library Association (RCLA) Town Hall Lecture Series, where she would later become organization president in 2015.

After becoming aware of Tidewell and its mission, Renee decided to step up and in 2018 helped launch a new state-of-the-art hospice house in Lakewood Ranch. She was asked to join the Board of Trustees for Tidewell Hospice and later became a founding board member when Tidewell Foundation was launched. 

Walt, a United States Air Force Veteran and engineer, is deeply committed to assisting students who are pursuing non-traditional career paths outside of conventional colleges or universities. Walt firmly believes that those engaged in vocational and technical professions could achieve significant success. Recognizing that these students required additional encouragement, he aspired to serve as a source of motivation for them, working with Gulf Coast Community Foundation to donate money for local projects and schools in the industry. 

Tidewell Foundation’s World-Class Services

Tidewell Foundation’s mission is to brighten the lives of the patients, families, and residents of communities by increasing awareness, funds, engagement, and advocacy to sustain and expand the exceptional programs and services offered. 

In 2021, Tidewell Hospice united with Empath Health to establish the nation’s largest not-for-profit hospice health system. The Tidewell Foundation exists to support the needs for Tidewell Hospice, but there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to various services and programs offered by the foundation. 

Renee and Walt are quite passionate about the many services provided by the Tidewell Foundation, particularly its Blue Butterfly Program.

Over 8,000 children in the Sarasota region have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling. In response to this significant need, Tidewell initiated the Blue Butterfly Program. This program is an evidence-based community outreach initiative designed for children aged 5 to 18 and their caregivers who have faced the death of a significant individual in their lives.

Tidewell supports families in managing their grief in constructive ways, placing particular emphasis on children. Our evidence-based therapeutic approach aims to help children prevent negative behavioral outcomes while providing them with opportunities to connect with peers who have also endured loss.

“Walt and I were major donors for the Tidewell Family Grief Center in Ellenton, and I’ve actually volunteered in the Blue Butterfly Program,” said Renee. “I encourage everyone to visit and get involved. It really opens your eyes to how vital the program is for these children that don’t know how to process their grief.” 

Tidewell Hospice also offers a comprehensive 13-month Grief Support Program at no cost to the family members following the passing of its patients. This initiative is facilitated and funded by Tidewell Foundation. Support services are available at various locations, including Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch, West Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood/North Port, and Port Charlotte.

“I have had friends in my neighborhood who have lost their spouse and sought help from Tidewell’s grief programs. My main mission is to make people aware of all the various programs Tidewell offers and how important they can be,” said Renee.

Another pivotal program for Tidewell Foundation that needs support is the Advanced Cardiac Care Program. This program integrates clinical protocols with educational resources while incorporating evidence-based tools designed to enhance the quality of care while alleviating stress and unnecessary financial burdens for families by promoting hospice care at home, thereby minimizing emergency room visits and overnight hospital stays. 

Tidewell Hospice was chosen as one of 29 hospices nationwide to participate in this specific national pilot program supported by the American Heart Association, in collaboration with the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation. 

In Tidewell’s premier Expressive Arts Program, skilled therapists guide patients to shift their attention from pain through a range of innovative therapeutic approaches, including expressive arts, music therapy, pet therapy, and massage, in conjunction with traditional medical practices. This combination provides spiritual and emotional solace that conventional medicine may not offer. These clinically validated therapies significantly alleviate pain and anxiety, fostering an enhanced sense of well-being.

Initiated in 2018 to address the nationwide nursing shortage, the Tidewell Hospice Nurse Residency Program, supported by donations and the Tidewell Foundation, offers an extensive 12-month training experience for newly graduated nurses aspiring to specialize in hospice care. This program delivers thorough, individualized training, enabling nurse residents to grasp the intricacies of hospice nursing until they are prepared to manage a complete patient caseload. Tidewell stands out as the sole hospice in Florida to offer such a program and is the first in the country to obtain accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Tidewell Honors Veterans Program has provided specialized hospice care to over 2,000 Veterans across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, addressing the distinct challenges encountered by numerous military families. This initiative is supported by dedicated volunteers who are specially trained to visit and pay tribute to Veteran patients. Additionally, the program is entirely funded by the generosity of donors.

The Wishes Fund of the Tidewell Foundation grants final wishes for patients of Tidewell Hospice and their families. This may include experiences such as a last flight for a retired pilot, the renewal of wedding vows, or a memorable evening with a spouse or loved one. This initiative is particularly favored by donors due to its profound ability to elevate the spirits of Tidewell patients and their families, providing a cherished positive memory prior to the patient’s passing.

Tidewell also offers complimentary care for children. In the event of a child’s serious illness, the last concern a family should have is the financial burden of hospice care. This is precisely why Tidewell offers complimentary care to children facing advanced illnesses, along with assistance for their families as they navigate these challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of donors, local children receive the compassionate care and medical attention they rightfully deserve.

Empath Health and Tidewell are set to expand the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to the Manasota area. Providing comprehensive care to seniors, this new center allows frail elderly seniors to receive medical care, social services, and therapeutic support in a coordinated and community-based setting, helping them live well independently. The new Stratum Life Center is located at 303 13th Avenue E, Bradenton, FL, and is opening this month.

“We have loved every minute of working with Tidewell and their wonderful staff. I look forward to being the Chair of the Board for Tidewell Hospice this year, and all the wonderful work we will do together for our community,” said Renee. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Tidewell Foundation and its programs, to make donations, or to find volunteer opportunities, please visit at www.tidewellfoundation.org.