WALLA WALLA-Walla Walla Community Hospice (WWCH) has chosen to cancel their annual Evening of Elegance dinner and auction in February. Though this event has brought in record revenue for the non-profit agency in the past two years, it was a decision WWCH felt they had to make.

"Not only did we believe we would have lackluster results, but more importantly, we couldn't imagine burdening the generous small businesses for donations after the year they've experienced and the ambiguity of our economy moving forward," according to Outreach & Events Coordinator, Brad McMasters

The WWCH will focus on their end-of-year fundraising campaign, the Tree of Life. In its 34th year, the event is an opportunity for individuals to pay tribute to a loved one with a small donation. For a $10 donation, an individual's name to be remembered is printed on a decorative paper ornament and hung on the Tree of Life. The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center has generously offered their beautiful lobby for the tree this year. In past years, the tree was displayed in the Die Brucke building adjacent to Macy's.

The theme and design for this event change annually. This year, an image of a cabin was chosen for the paper ornaments, and etched glass ornaments available for $25. WWCH thought it was an appropriate theme since this was the year we all had "cabin fever."

All fundraising efforts help support the work Hospice provides unrelated to patient care and not reimbursable through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances. These services include region-wide, cost-free grief support for all ages, Advance Directives workshops, and educational presentations.

With a need to replace the lost revenue from the annual auction, WWCH has created an advisory group to develop a planned giving program to be launched in the spring.

WWCH's mission is to offer compassionate care to their patients and support for their loved ones. WWCH serves Columbia, Walla Walla, and NE Umatilla counties.

To learn more about the Tree of Life, to pay tribute to a loved one, or to purchase this year's commemorative glass ornament, you may visit their website (wwhospice.org) or their Facebook event (@wallawallahospice). You may also email info@wwhospice.org or call (509) 525-5561.