News Stories
Charity Spotlight - Hospice of the Valley & AAHA!
3/1/2010
Trends Magazine Q. What can people expect at AAHA!? A. A good time, pleasant company, fabulous art and great deals on trips, restaurant excursions and more! We get started at 6 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, featuring paintings, antiques, sculpture and other pieces displayed as they would be at a gallery. The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Come Back Buddy gets everybody up and moving on the dance floor. The beautiful spring weather and elegant ambiance of the Biltmore make this an enjoyable evening for everyone. Q. What are some of the auction items? A. Elaine Coffee of Cave Creek has contributed a painting “Aboriginal Art Collection in Sydney,” which shows viewers at a museum exhibition. JD Challenger, who specializes in art depicting Native Americans, contributed “Sun Bear Song.” Guests also can bid on a trip to a Telluride townhome with luxury amenities; a Tarbell’s dinner for six; and an historical dinner tour of the Arizona Biltmore. Q. How do event proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley’s patients and families? A. With the economic downturn, our charity care increased to $9.6 million in 2009. We expect this need to continue to grow with more people out of work and government assistance declining. Donations provide hospice care for people without insurance or Medicare. Contributions also sustain services that aren’t covered by insurance, such as pet therapy, massage and live music at the bedside. Q. What is the mission of Hospice of the Valley? A. Our mission is bringing comfort and dignity as life nears its end. Hospice of the Valley is one of the nation’s oldest and largest not-for-profit hospices, founded in 1977. Our approach is holistic and interdisciplinary, caring for mind, body and spirit. More than 90 percent of our patients are cared for in their own homes. We also support family members through their loved one’s illness and provide bereavement services after the death. Q. How can I help? A. Please join us at AAHA! The cost is $200 per person; $2,000 per table and sponsorships starting at $3,000. Reservations: 602-636-5314. Information also is available by visiting here.
Hospice of the Valley supporters and art lovers gather every year to enjoy an evening of fine art and fun at the not-for-profit agency’s signature fundraising event -- AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms & Art. AAHA! features silent and live auctions of collectible art, antiques, and art-related items to raise money for end-of-life care, programs and services. This year’s event will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Susan Levine, executive director of Hospice of the Valley, shares her thoughts.