Paragon Commercial Bank, in coordination with Hospice of Wake County & Quail Ridge Books, sponsored a luncheon on February 12th at Sister's Garden. The purpose was to raise funds and educate attendees on the services of Hospice of Wake County. This was the first of three in the "Living Through Literature" series.

"Hospice of Wake County is a very special organization to Paragon and me personally," stated Bob Hatley, President & CEO of Paragon Commercial Bank. "This was a great way to show our support of an organization that truly has made a big impact on many families in Wake County."

Mr. Hatley also serves on the Board of Directors for Hospice of Wake County.

Founded by people who recognized that specialized care for the dying was a real need, Hospice of Wake County has earned a reputation of outstanding professional expertise in helping patients and families cope with death and dying.

"We certainly do appreciate the support and cooperation shown by Paragon Commercial Bank in hosting this event," stated Robin Temple, Director of Community Relations for Hospice of Wake County. "This forum was a great way to educate the public and raise funds to support our mission in the community."

Founded in 1979, Hospice of Wake County is the oldest, the largest and the most experienced hospice organization serving Wake County, as well as contiguous areas of Franklin, Durham, Johnston and Harnett Counties in the central region of North Carolina. The program provides expert medical care, focused on the pain control and symptom management that are crucial to helping terminally ill people maintain quality living for as long as possible. The organization also provides care and support for families with counseling, short-term respite care, chaplain services, volunteer support, and bereavement care.

The featured speaker was author, Doug Marlette. Mr. Marlette is well known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoons and creator of the comic strip "Kudzu". Mr. Marlette published his first novel, "The Bridge", in 2001. It won the Book of the Year Award from the Southeastern Booksellers Association (SEBA). Mr. Marlette signed copies of "The Bridge". Mr. Marlette resides in Hillsborough, N.C.

Paragon Commercial Bank, which opened in May 1999, is the first business-only bank in North Carolina. Paragon provides banking products and services tailored to meet the needs of small to medium-size companies with revenues from $3-25 million, commercial real estate companies, residential construction firms and professional service firms including attorneys, health care providers and accountants.

Customers can find Paragon on the Internet at www.paragoncommercial.com. Member FDIC. Hospice of Wake County can be found at www.hospiceofwake.org.