The tag line for the fundraiser for Hospice of the Comforter at the Ritz Carlton was: Celebrate life, Enjoy art, Love music. I had just finished a sketch of the bar out in the hallway where the silent auction was going on. I entered the ballroom and found my way to my table. For dinner we had a light salad of Baby greens with grilled summer fruit and hearts of palm. The main course was a braised beef short rib with macadamia nut crusted grouper along with twice baked potato and vegetables. Desert was a chocolate mousse layered with chocolate and espresso creme brulee.
After dinner Sarah Harvey spoke of the support her family had received when her child Gracie was diagnosed with a terminal disease. She related how the doctors considered her child’s illness a puzzle to solve. A scientific curiosity, perhaps a way to get their name in a medical journal. Gracie had to go through endless tests as she gradually grew sicker. The doctors were unable to discover exactly what was causing her decline. Finally with no cure in sight Gracie was admitted to the Hospice House and there she and the family were given the emotional support they needed. When Gracie passed away the family was offered grief counseling and Sarah formed friendships that last to this day with members of the staff. She doesn’t know how she would have coped without Hospice of the Comforter’s help.
