AAHA! nets record donations for Hospice of the Valley

The Red Book
February 16, 2016

AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art netted $310,000 for Hospice of the Valley, with proceeds benefitting the not-for-profit agency’s patients and families.

The signature fund-raising event, held Feb. 13 at the Arizona Biltmore, drew 400 people who bid on art, collectible pieces and one-of-a-kind experiences at silent and live auctions. Guests enjoyed dinner, entertainment and dancing. Major sponsors were Michele and Rick Hamada, Valley Toyota Dealers and OnePoint Patient Care. The Hamadas also served as honorary event chairs.

“The Magic of Music” was the event theme. Music and other services that bring comfort – including pet therapy, massage and aromatherapy and palliative care – were supported at the evening’s “Fund-A-Need,” which drew $85,000 in donations.

The total proceeds of $310,000 exceeded last year’s net of $300,000.

Popular auction items included:

• An adorable Goldendoodle puppy donated by Goldendoodles of Copper Skye that fetched $6,300.
• A $6,500 Paris/Normandy river cruise bid by Bob and Robyn Anderson of Prisma.
• Norah Hannah of Experience Matters got to cross something off her bucket list because she is going to Machu Picchu with her winning $6,500 bid.
• Tarbell’s Restaurant’s donation of dinner for eight sold for $4,500 – not once, but twice!
• A stunning sculpture called “Helping Horse” by Carl Dahl went for $2,800.

Hospice of the Valley, founded in 1977, provides end-of-life care and palliative care. Last year 17,300 families were served in central Arizona. Charity care totaled $7.9 million.