Art of Caring Raises Funds to Support Hospice, Bereavement Programs

On Sept. 13, 2018, Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation will host its 19^th annual Art of Caring, an art auction benefitting the Baptist Centers for Good Grief and Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. The family friendly event will feature a caricature artist and jazz band. It will be held at the Grand Carousel Pavilion and Ballroom at the Children’s Museum of Memphis from 6–9 p.m.

The auction, which showcases original works by local artists, allows donors to support two key programs for the Memphis community, according to Melissa Surles, senior development officer for the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds directly benefit patient assistance at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House and help provide free bereavement services for the entire community at the Baptist Centers for Good Grief,” said Surles.

Quality-focused End-of-life Care

At Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, a residential hospice facility, patients and their families are not turned away because of their inability to pay. Instead, a devoted team of doctors, nurses and chaplains provide comfort, independence and dignity for those with life-limiting illnesses.

“Typically, Medicare and insurance cover most of the costs associated with hospice care, but they do not cover residential costs,” said Surles. “We do everything we can to make sure people are not being turned away because they can’t afford hospice care.”

Proceeds from the annual Art of Caring event help Baptist offer patient care assistance to families who may not be able to afford it.

“We will have artwork, jewelry, photography, gift cards to local restaurants and shops, as well as travel experiences available for auction,” said Surles. “There will also be additional donation opportunities at the event for guests who want to support the programs and our mission.”

Helping Children, Teens and Adults Cope With Grief

As the first comprehensive grief center in the Mid-South, the Baptist Centers for Good Grief offers year-round bereavement services to thousands of community members. The nonprofit relies on donation support from individuals, corporations and annual fundraising events, such as Art of Caring.

“The Centers for Good Grief offer free bereavement counseling,” said Surles. “We do not charge anyone for the counseling services or the camps that we offer.”

Grief is a universal experience, but it is not a diagnosis. This means insurance does not cover the cost of grief counseling. Events like Art of Caring help the nonprofit provide much-needed services for grieving families.

“We know how important it is for people who have suffered a loss to receive therapy and learn coping skills that help them navigate life without that special person,” said Surles.

How You Can Help

Baptist welcomes all community members to attend the family friendly event in the heart of Memphis.

“This is a new venue for us,” said Surles. “We’re really excited to be at the Children’s Museum of Memphis. It’s a great location that is accessible for people who live all over the city. Guests also have the opportunity to ride the beautifully restored 1909 Dentzel Memphis Grand Carousel.”

Tickets for the event cost $45 and include food, beer and wine. Free parking is available on-site and attire is dressy casual. For those who can’t attend in person, online bidding is available.

“We consider all our donors to be partners,” said Surles. “Donations—big or small—allow us to keep our doors open and continue expanding our services to meet the needs of people in our community—year after year.”

Purchase tickets, view auction items and learn more about the event on the Baptist Art of Caring page. To support Baptist’s hospice and bereavement programs directly, .