Center for Hospice Care honors Kim and Scott Welch with 2026 Circle of Caring Award

Center for Hospice Care (CHC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Circle of Caring Award, Kim and Scott Welch.
Long-time residents of Elkhart, Kim and Scott have established themselves as legends of the community. After starting Elkhart Container in 1985 with four employees and just nine total workers in the first year, they built what is now Welch Packaging into 26 plants employing over 1,800 people. While the growth has been tremendous, the company maintains a family-like atmosphere with the goal of making a difference – for their customers, for their associates and for their community.

While the Humane Society of Elkhart County has been Kim’s passion for some time, the Welches’ generosity extends to all parts of the community. They have been ardent supporters of Center for Hospice Care as well, especially for bereavement services.

According to Scott, “My belief is that God gave me a purpose in life and I’ve had a lot of lucky things happen to me. I’m a conduit, in a sense, if good things happen we shouldn’t just bestow it on ourselves.” This is evident in Welch Packaging’s support of its employees through the Make a Difference fund. This budgeted program helps employees who are going through a tough time, whether it be financial difficulties or medical hardships, get back on their feet. 

This year’s Circle of Caring Award Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at the Crystal Ballroom at Lerner Theatre. There will be a cocktail reception at 6pm followed by dinner, award presentation and auction beginning at 7pm. Sponsorship information is available at FoundationForHospice.org/coc26.