AAHA! Nets $350K-plus for Hospice of the Valley
AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art netted more than $350,000 for Hospice of the Valley, with proceeds benefitting patients and families. More than 350 guests attended the organization’s signature fundraising event March 3 at the Arizona Biltmore, where they bid on art, collectible pieces and one-of-a-kind experiences at silent and live auctions.
Two of the highest-bid items were an eight-day Burgundy and Provence Europe Boutique cruise and a kinetic sculpture by Bruce Stillman.
The record-breaking total included almost $140,000 raised to support a Dementia Care and Education Campus in Phoenix that will care for people at all stages of dementia and bring people together to share best practices in dementia care. Construction starts this year on the site at 3811 N. 44th St. in Phoenix.
Dr. Albert Eckstein, founding medical director of Hospice of the Valley, and his family were honored at AAHA. His sons and their wives, Dr. John and Diane Eckstein, and Flo and Paul Eckstein attended, and paid tribute to the family patriarch.
Not-for-profit Hospice of the Valley was founded in 1977 to provide end-of-life care. Services have grown to include home care for people with serious and chronic illnesses who aren’t yet ready for hospice. Last year the agency cared for more than 18,000 patients and their families in Maricopa and northern Pinal counties.
PHOTOS BY DAVE SEIBERT
Auction items in the Arizona Biltmore’s Gold Room: In the foreground, an untitled sculpture by Michael Anderson; in the background, ‘Golden Colorado” by Navajo artist Larry Yazzie
The silent auction
Diane Silver and Jim Condo
Elise Kesner and Marian Levy
Francisco Ponce, Curtis Dickman and Adele Ponce
Dr. Albert Eckstein, founding medical director of Hospice of the Valley
Bobby D. Ehlert, auctioneer
