St. Charles Hospice Christmas auction raises $90,000

The 23rd annual St. Charles Hospice Christmas auction, “Enchanted Winter,” netted a record $90,000. Proceeds provide charity care to St. Charles Hospice and Transitions patients in Central Oregon.

Many community members and local businesses donated elaborately decorated trees, beautiful quilts and other items that were auctioned off at the event. The highest bid of the evening was $20,000 for a single tree in memory of Barry Groff.

Held on Dec. 6 by St. Charles Foundation and St. Charles Hospice, the auction has become a beloved tradition in the community. More than 400 guests packed the Crook County Fairgrounds indoor arena for the festive event, bidding, dining and voting for most enchanted, most creative and most daring tree.

“The hospice auction really showcases the enormous generosity of this community,” said Lisa Dobey, St. Charles Foundation executive director. “It’s moving to see the involvement and enthusiasm of the guests at this event, as well as the outstanding quality of the donated trees and quilts.”

A tri-tip dinner was prepared by Future Farmers of America alumni and served by current FFA members.

“We provide care for all, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay,” said Mary Shockey, director of St. Charles Hospice and Home Health. “There is so much need in our community, and the money raised at this event directly helps so many.”

For event information, contact Shannon Kirkbride 541-480-5349

About St. Charles Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of St. Charles Health System, the Foundation works to support and improve health care in Central and Eastern Oregon. Private donations raised by the Foundation allow St. Charles to build new medical facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, keep pace with the latest technological advances and deliver exceptional patient care in a healing environment. The Foundation does more than just raise money for bricks and mortar. The organization also raises money to support many programs that benefit low-income and uninsured patients.