Eva Faircloth

people@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

FOLEY - Over the last five years, an event that began with only 30 guests has grown to host between 200 and 250 people, all gathered for a common cause - Community Hospice of Baldwin County.

Each year, volunteers begin working six months prior to the annual art exhibition and auction. Guests can enjoy fine wines, hor d’oeuvres and international cheeses while they peruse the work of artists from all over the country, as well as bid in the live and silent auctions, according to Jerry Stiffler volunteer and event organizer.

The event, slated for Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. will be held at the Cotton Creek Clubhouse at Craft Farms in Gulf Shores.

In addition to the auction, Stiffler said there will also be a putting contest from noon to 5 p.m. at Craft Farms. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Participation in the putting contest is additional.

While volunteers helped raise as much as $15,000 in the past during the annual event, Stiffler said she hopes to raise the bar and bring in $25,000 to benefit the not-for-profit hospice organization.

“We are all going to need Community Hospice one day,” Stiffler said. “This event helps provide hospice care for those without insurance. Community Hospice of Baldwin County has never turned anyone away.”

Stiffler said her own involvement with the community-based home care organization came when they took care of her husband.

“They became my friends. The friendships you make when they take care of your loved one makes you want to give back. They make you feel good,” she said, adding that many of the Community Hospice of Baldwin County volunteers are spouses of patients who were served by the organization.

Lana Wheeler, patient care coordinator, said the event brings much-needed funds to provide care for the uninsured.

“If someone has a life-changing illness and has to quit work, they generally lose their insurance,” said Wheeler. “This money helps cover that cost.”

“Our volunteers are instrumental in getting the message out,” she said.

Stiffler said as many as 40 artists will be represented in this year’s event.

“Joanne Lambert, an artist and volunteer, has been invaluable in collecting art, as well as donating her own original artwork to the event,” she said. “She went to all the area festivals and moved from booth to booth to tell artists about the cause and ask for donations.”

Stiffler said the event has something for everyone. “Some people come in shorts and flip flops and others come in cocktail attire. It’s a fun atmosphere.”

In addition to the exhibition and sale of art, there will also be door prizes and other auction items such as weekend beach getaways.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Community Hospice at 943-5015.