Feb. 16, 2016

AAHA! Nets Record Donations for Hospice of the Valley

Top, left to right: Carol Kern, Rosemary Dominguez holding the Goldendoodle that fetched $6,300 at auction, and Iris Cashdan-Fishman; Natalie and Charles Ingram, and Peggy and Rick Federico; and Lin Sue Cooney, director of community engagement, and Susan Levine, executive director, Hospice of the Valley. Bottom: Judy Shannon, Hospice of the Valley event director, and Michele Hamada, honorary chair; chairman of Hospice of the Valley board Lanny and Marlene Lahr; and auction item "Helping Horse," by artist Carl Dahl

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

The organization’s signature fundraising event on Feb. 13 drew 400 guests to the Arizona Biltmore to enjoy dinner and dancing, and bid on art, collectible pieces and one-of-a-kind experiences at silent and live auctions.

Popular auction items included an adorable Goldendoodle puppy donated by Goldendoodles of Copper Skye that fetched $6,300. Bob and Robyn Anderson placed the high bid of $6,500 on a Paris/Normandy river cruise, and Nora Hannah placed a winning bid of $6,500 on a trip to Machu Picchu. A dinner for eight at Tarbell’s sold twice for $4,500 each, and a sculpture called “Helping Horse” by Carl Dahl went for $2,800.

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

Michele and Rick Hamada, Valley Toyota Dealers and OnePoint Patient Care were major event sponsors. The Hamadas also served as honorary event chairs.

PHOTOS BY JAIME SCOWLEY