West Michigan’s top distillers, pitmasters and entertainers came together for an evening of festivity and philanthropy
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 19, 2018) – Hospice of Michigan’s 3rd annual Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser at Van Andel Arena came to a sizzling conclusion Saturday evening, helping to grow the total the event has generated since its 2016 introduction to more than $500,000 to support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Fund.
West Michigan’s premier barbecue and cocktail experience featured tastings from 22 of the region’s renowned pitmasters and distillers. Guests were entertained with live music provided by popular local bands as they enjoyed a variety of BBQ and cocktail samplings and fun lawn games. WBBL-FM morning host, Eric Zane, emceed the evening’s festivities.
Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Fund, which allows the nonprofit to provide vital end-of-life care to patients regardless of age, diagnosis or ability to pay.
A generous $25,000 match from statewide event sponsor CareLinc Home Medical Equipment & Supply boosted this year’s fundraising results, along with support from other event sponsors: Betz Industries, Meijer, John Clay Memorial BBQ, Ken Betz & Family, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen Balk Steel Treating, US Signal Company, Vista Springs, Belknap Hill Trading Post, Stephen Klotz Family Foundation, Universal Forest Products, Inc. and WOOD Radio.
“We are very proud that another successful Barley, BBQ & Beats is in the books,” said Marcie Hillary, senior vice president of community relations for Hospice of Michigan, “It’s a true team effort that we couldn’t host without the generous support of the people and businesses of Grand Rapids and west Michigan. We’re very grateful.”
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the nonprofit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve nearly 6,500 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, call 888.247.5701.