Peaceful Purpose Hospice hosted its inaugural formal gala and benefit concert Saturday night at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton.
Tuxedos and ballgowns were the order of the day for the PPH Diamonds in the Sky Christmas Gala, featuring elegant pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres, custom-made cocktails, presentations before a delicious full-course meal, and live music by the BlaqBerry Band, led by singer Jarvis Wingfield.
Peaceful Purpose has presented an introspective, memory-invoking live performance show at The Plaza Arts Center for the last couple of years. Still, this year, it chose a more traditional banquet fundraiser format that appeared to be well received by all who attended.
Just as she had done previously at The Plaza, Melissa Williams served as an informal emcee for the night, originally introducing Wingfield, who sang acapella to open the night’s entertainment.
PPH Chaplain Sharon White also sang later in the program, delivering a moving performance of “Amazing Grace.”
Peaceful Purpose co-owner Kim Farley also addressed the crowd and emphasized the work of PPH’s Thrive Foundation.
“Thrive was birthed and is funded by donations from the community and patient service. It serves to provide for the wishes of dying patients and to educate the seniors in our community on health and wellness. Today, Peaceful Purpose Hospice has served over 450 patients,” Farley said to a round of enthusiastic applause. “What an honor to be an intricate part of the community and to serve patients and families at the end of their lives journeys.
"We may not be the biggest hospice, but I think we are the best, and that will always be our goal,” she continued. “Dying is a part of life that we have been entrusted with for over 450 patients, and we don’t take that duty for granted. It is an honor that we always cherish and remain grateful for.”
Several members of the audience then rose individually, gave brief testimonials, and shared memories of friends and relatives who had passed away.
Williams next introduced licensed therapist and PPH social worker Brandiss Marks, who shared several coping strategies for dealing with a loved one entering hospice care.
Minister Christopher White of Rock Creek Baptist Church in Buckhead, near Madison, was the featured speaker for the evening.
“Tonight, as we celebrate our loved ones, let’s make sure that we celebrate with the joy they want us to have.
They wouldn’t want us down here mourning so much that we don’t enjoy the rest of this life that God has given us,” White said. “We ought to thank God for the memories; we ought to thank God that he thought enough of us to put someone in our life that we were able to grieve about. Grief is the price we pay for loving someone.”
Peaceful Purpose Hospice is located at 106A N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton.