In Roaring ‘20s fashion, the Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg is ringing in the new year with a milestone fundraising event. On Sunday, Jan. 26 the nonprofit will host its 30th Annual Elegant Culinary Affaire at the luxurious Kingsmill Resort where guests will be treated to a five-course sit-down dinner curated by the Peninsula’s most seasoned chefs.
A private speakeasy will emerge at Kingsmill along with a Frank Sinatra impersonator and a cadre of flappers to escort legacy guests and top sponsors. Participating restaurants include Le Yaca, Waypoint, Fat Canary, Kingsmill, Blue Talon and Cochon on 2nd. “This year we also will have a paddle raise and a few high ‘experiences’ offered through a live auction,” says Hospice House Executive Director Audrey Smith.
The yearly food gala was introduced by the Hospice board in 1990 as a means of raising needed funds and increasing the organization’s visibility. Smith states the vision yielded much success and is well on its way to surpassing its fundraising goal of $150,000 for 2020. “We are blessed that nearly all the funds raised go directly to programs because Kingsmill, Williamsburg Winery, Seasons of Williamsburg, Smith-Wade Band and all of the chefs and Big Top events donate their services and products,” she says.
Support raised from the affaire contributes to the House’s $1 million worth of operating costs, which include around-the-clock care for patients, end of life services and support for bereavement and suicide. “[The] event provides just over 10% of the cost to run our programs and services at no cost to the community,” says Smith.
Smith further explains that the Hospice House has been maintained by community support since its founding in 1982. After 20 years of offering hospice services in private residences, the organization decided to construct its own hospice center. “The house was built in 2002. We garnered community support from families, contractors and [others] who helped raise $1.2 million in a matter of months,” she says.
The bright yellow four-bedroom home situated on Powhatan Parkway now serves as an oasis for family and loved ones. In addition to the home’s in-house services, the Hospice House is equipped with a public loaning library and public garage full of medical equipment from walkers to bedside commodes.
For more information about the Hospice House or to purchase your $250 ticket to the upcoming Elegant Culinary Affaire, visit WilliamsburgHospsice.org. Stay tuned for details about the Hike for Hospice House in April too.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
