The Norwalk Office of Masonicare Home Health and Hospice presents an award each year to the volunteer deemed by the agency to be dedicated to outstanding volunteer excellence (DOVE). This year the award was presented to Gigi Benanti, a Norwalk resident, Reiki master and hospice volunteer, during a wine and cheese reception hosted by Maplewood at Darien.

“Gigi is responsible for sending many amazing Reiki volunteers our way,” says Paula Bruns, volunteer coordinator for Masonicare Home Health & Hospice. “She shared her journey with the Reiki practitioners she teaches and encourages them to consider becoming hospice volunteers. Our hospice volunteer program gains strength from Gigi’s referrals. We have also been fortunate to have Gigi present in-services to our volunteers. She also offers Reiki classes at her center for the volunteers when requested. In many ways, our program’s success is due in part to Gigi.”

Well-known in the community for her healing work, Benanti’s volunteer work through the Masonicare agency during the last four years has included Reiki sessions for those in need of hospice care, participation in vigils and providing support to those in transition.

To learn more about hospice volunteering, call 203-831-8882 or email [email protected]. For more information about Benanti, call 203-852-1150 or visit AngelHealReiki.com.