Calvert 4-H Youth Raise $180K for Hospice of the Chesapeake

Calvert County’s 4-H youth were celebrated for their generosity at the annual “Boots & Bling: A Culinary Experience” fundraiser, which raised more than $180,000 to support Hospice of the Chesapeake’s compassionate care, grief support and expanded programs for patients and families in Calvert County.

The event, held May 8 at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort in Chesapeake Beach, brought together approximately 250 guests for Chesapeake Bay and international cuisine. Attendees heard from Hospice of the Chesapeake President and CEO Becky Miller and Board Vice Chair Rich Wilder about the organization’s mission and local impact.

One of the most meaningful moments was the story of the Hospice Hog, shared by T.J. Ireland. In 2019, Ireland and his brother Colby chose to donate proceeds from the sale of one of their 4-H market hogs to honor their grandmother and support hospice care. Their first hog, Harry, raised $7,000 at the Calvert County Fair. After the Ireland brothers aged out of 4-H, the Said family continued the tradition. Together, the two families have raised more than $150,000 through the sale of their home-raised hogs.

Guests met Ayden and Lucas Said, who, with help from their sister Lena, are raising this year’s Hospice Hog, Hoss. Ireland noted that the Said family has committed to continuing the tradition until Lena turns 19.

The 4-H program in Calvert County plays a significant role in teaching youth responsibility, leadership and community service. Through projects like the Hospice Hog, young people learn the value of giving back while developing practical skills in animal husbandry and fundraising. Calvert County 4-H clubs have long supported local causes, and the Hospice Hog tradition has become a standout example of how youth philanthropy can make a lasting difference in Southern Maryland.

Hospice of the Chesapeake provides end-of-life care, grief counseling and community education across Calvert, Anne Arundel and other Maryland counties. The funds raised at Boots & Bling will help expand these services for local families facing serious illness.

The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Diamond Spurs sponsors John & Cathy Belcher, Floor Systems and In Memory of Michael King; Gold Lasso sponsors Constellation Energy, Maertens Fine Jewelry, Peggy McKelly, MedArt Gallery and Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort; and Silver Saddle sponsors ADU Your Appliance Source, Kelly Generator & Equipment, Inc., Greg Kernan, Lee Funeral Homes and Scheibel Construction. Underwriters included Dunkirk Dental Associates, Jan Kleponis of O’Brien Realty, and RCM&D.

Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, a longtime Chesapeake Beach landmark, has hosted the event for years. The resort’s waterfront location and reputation for fresh seafood made it a fitting venue for a culinary experience celebrating local agriculture and community support.

The Boots & Bling event continues to grow as a signature fundraiser for Hospice of the Chesapeake in Calvert County. It highlights the strong partnership between 4-H youth, local businesses and nonprofit organizations working together to support families in need.

For Calvert County families, the event represents more than fundraising — it shows how young people can lead by example and create meaningful change in their own community. The continued commitment of the Ireland and Said families to the Hospice Hog tradition ensures that this legacy of giving will carry on for years to come.