Feb. 16, 2019. An elegant crowd of 350 gathered at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn to bid on beautiful paintings and sculptures, fine jewelry, exquisite dining, rare wines, exclusive trips and a precious Goldendoodle puppy. Hospice of the Valley Art and Wine Auction gala raised over $350,000 to support Hospice of the Valley charity care and dementia care programs. The highest bidder will take to the skies by private jet for three nights at the exclusive Triple Creek Ranch in Montana, while another winner will experience the wonders of Italy for eight days visiting Roman ruins, viewing grand architecture and enjoying exceptional cuisine and fine wine. $123,000 was raised to support an innovative in-home palliative care for dementia program that improves quality of life and helps patients and caregivers live well with dementia. Attendees were delighted to sing Happy Birthday to a surprise guest of honor—beloved newscaster and former Hospice of the Valley spokesperson Hugh Downs, who turned 98 on Valentine’s Day. Founded in 1977, Hospice of the Valley is the leading provider of hospice care in Arizona and also offers a full spectrum of services to serve those with chronic illnesses and all stages of dementia. Last year, the not-for-profit agency, which turns no one away, served 20,000 patients and families in our community.

Photography by Dave Seibert
daveseibert1@gmail.com