Event raises over $50,000 for this worthwhile organization.
By Sid Riley
From the onset let this writer state that I am favorably biased about the Hospice organization and the services they provide. Several years ago when my mother passed away at the age of 92, at the moment she died I was holding one of her hands, and a hospice care giver was holding the other. I have never forgotten the gratitude I felt for the presence of Hospice at that moment.
The trained Hospice staff and their hard working volunteers are there (if you want them to be) at those unforgettable moments of deep family grief, helping you cope with the pain and realization of loss. The manner in which they enter these tender, emotional moments with a family requires a special level of empathy and love.
As a result of the level of service they provide to bereaved families, when the call for support is made, through participation in fund raising events such as the recent “Hospice Garden Gala”, the public responds…especially those who have benefited from their presence to help their family through the death of a loved one. On Saturday evening, the citizens of Jackson and neighboring counties responded to the call for support at this Garden Gala event.
This event has grown into the largest fund raising activity of the year for Covenant Hospice. This year the Gala was attended by over 300 people, as well as over 50 volunteers. Last year the event shattered all previous fund raising records by raising over $50,000, and it equaled that record again this year. Jennifer Griffin, Development Manager, was overjoyed with the results of the evening. “I want to personally express my gratitude for the overwhelming support from the entire area community, our staff and volunteers. Everyone was eager to help us in our mission of providing compassionate, comprehensive services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses.”
Hundreds of companies and individuals donated money, time, and support to make the event so successful. Tickets for a seat cost $40 each, with the fine meal catered by “Something Special”… and the event was sold out. Great musical entertainment was provided by “The Sauce”, and musical star Shane Owens also entertained. They all donated their talents for the event.
The silent auction was a huge success, with almost everyone participating. Local artists donated their talents to adorning the assortment of wooden swings and chairs which were auctioned off during either the silent auction or the live auction portion of the program. One of the auction items which generated the most attention and funds was a “Backyard Bash” which consisted of a catered Louisiana Shrimp Boil by Mr. Tommy Anderson at a special private party with Shane Owens entertaining for the evening. This special prize went for $1725.00. Another big fund raiser was a full weeks stay at a huge condo in Destin Florida, donated by Mr. Roy Mohon. Tickets were sold in advance and that night for a drawing for this prize which was won during the evening.
If you missed this event this year, you will need to watch for the scheduling next year. The Covenant Hospice Garden Gala offers a wonderful evening for you and your family, while it simultaneously helps support a wonderful organization.
No comments:
Post a Comment