Aug. 14 event benefits the Shepherd’s Cove Foundation
Donna Thornton, Editor
Tickets are on sale now for Shepherd’s Cove Foundation’s Summer Soiree: NOLA Nights — an event that promises fun, food, games and auctions to benefit the Marshall County hospice facility.
On Aug. 14 at the Majestic Venue in Albertville, Shepherd’s Cove invites everyone to an evening of live jazz, Cajun-inspired cuisine from Papa Dubi’s and live and silent auctions including the auction of an special mystery item, known as “the Lawn Sheep.”
Shepherd’s Cove Foundation Director Emily Sims said the Summer Soiree is the largest fundraiser of the year, and it has been a summer tradition for several years.“
This event is such a lively celebration of our mission and the community that makes it possible,” said Sims. “Every ticket purchased and every auction bid is a tangible act of compassion. You’re not just attending a fun evening, you’re helping us deliver comfort, dignity, and peace to those facing some of life’s hardest moments. That’s a gift that lasts far beyond one night.
”Tickets are available at www.schsummersoiree.com, along with more information about the event, including suggestions on attire for the New Orleans-inspired evening. Sims said the event features both a live and a silent auction. For the live auction, people must attend to see what’s offered and make their bids. There’s also a silent auction that will allow people to see and bid on items online. That silent online auction opened Aug. 9. As for the Lawn Sheep, Sims couldn’t offer any clues, saying its value could range from that of a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich to a trip to Hawaii. The bidder who wins the Lawn Sheep is required to bring it back to next year’s event, she said. The menu will be posted soon as well, she said.
The Summer Soiree promises to be a celebration with a purpose. Sims said the event helps fund six non-reimbursed programs Shepherd’s Cove offers. The Foundation has set a goal to raise $150,000 through this year’s event to support Shepherd’s Cove’s mission. On average, the organization spends $45,000 each month on services and programs that are not reimbursed by insurance, including community grief support, palliative care, and charitable care for patients without coverage. Funds raised at the Soirée ensure these services remain available to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
A Spotlight Appeal is a special moment during the evening when guests are invited to give directly to a single, high-impact cause. Rather than bidding or purchasing, attendees are asked to make a meaningful donation that goes straight toward a focused initiative. This year’s Spotlight Appeal will support the Wanda Walker Education Fund, which was established by the family of Wanda Walker, a former Shepherd’s Cove patient and one of the first nurse practitioners in Alabama.
After receiving exceptional care, her family wanted to honor her legacy as a passionate advocate for education. In creating the fund, they found a meaningful way to contribute to the mission of Shepherd’s Cove and ensure others continue to receive the same level of compassionate care. The fund provides continuing education, certifications, and professional development for Shepherd’s Cove staff. As the needs of the community and hospice care continue to evolve, Shepherd’s Cove hopes to expand the fund to reach more staff and offer broader opportunities for learning and advancement. This investment ensures that the team remains not only the most experienced and skilled in hospice care, but also deeply supported in the important work they do every day.
“We want to ensure our staff are not only supported in their current roles, but also given opportunities to grow and thrive professionally,” said Stormy Dismuke, Chief Executive Officer of Shepherd’s Cove. “The Wanda Walker Education Fund allows us to invest in the hearts and hands of this mission, our team, so they can continue doing the work they love.” For tickets, sponsorships, or more information, visit schsummersoiree.com or contact the Foundation office at 256-891-7724.
