Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Gala, brunch help hospices
Actress provides keynote
Circle of Life Hospice supporters gathered for the annual Art of Hospice Gala on Nov. 4 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.
The group presented the Bernice Young Jones Award to Nancy Swearingen and Marilyn Swearingen “as volunteers who fully embody the spirit of Bernice Young Jones.” The two are founding members of the nonprofit organization’s Ladies Auxiliary, which includes more than 350 members.
Chuck Bengston, Circle of Life chaplain for more than 16 years, was given the Pat Walker Commitment to Care Award, “as an extraordinary individual who exemplifies the same loving spirit and commitment to care as Mrs. Pat Walker.”
Actress Tembi Locke ( Fresh Prince of Bel Air, NCIS, The Mentalist, Castle, Bones and Friends) provided the evening’s keynote address. When Locke’s late husband, Saro Locke, was diagnosed with life-threatening bone cancer and put on hospice care, the young widow developed a passion for “bringing people together in moments of crisis and grief.”
Proceeds from the evening will go toward the organization’s capital campaign efforts for Legacy Village Hospice Home and to support programs such as Meals that Matter, which provides free meals to families and loved ones in the hospice homes; charity care; and The Center for Grief, which provides bereavement support to all in our community.
Among those enjoying the Art of Hospice were Meredith and Patrick Woodruff, Jeretta and Horace Hardwick, Debbie and Mike Luttrell, Becky and Adrian Luttrell, Dana Johnson,
Rhonda Woodruff, Sharron Wooldridge, Anne Burke, Ellen and Malcolm Hayward, and Emily and John Douglas.
Tamara and John Roberts opened their east Fayetteville home for the 28th Washington Regional Hospice Autumn Brunch on Nov. 7. Proceeds benefit Friends of Washington Regional Hospice, providing care regardless of age, condition or ability to pay.
Those brunching to benefit hospice included Johnelle Hunt, Denise Garner, Judy Wood, Dorothy Hanby, Roy Clinton, Jeanne Cole, Ann Rosso, Shannon Ortego, Evelyn Shaw, Mary Stockland, Missy Kincaid, Rich Kley, Gina and Neal Pendergraft, Amy Smith, LeAnn Underwood, Pam Jones, Athina and Gary McLendon, Maggie Srygley, Tori Bogner, Holly Wheeler and Linda Wray.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.