Story By Mary Bailey

Get ready for a New Orleans experience like no other!

Shepherd’s Cove Foundation will host its annual Summer Soirée, a signature community event that raises vital funds to benefit patients on Thursday, August 14.  

According to Shalon Steed, marketing and sales coordinator, each year features a unique theme, and this year’s “Nola Nights” will bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to life with live and silent auctions, lively entertainment and delicious food.

“The goal for this year’s event is to raise around $150,000 in total, with $50,000 designated for a special appeal to expand the foundation’s education fund,” Steed said. “Originally established by a former patient’s family in her honor, this fund has been in place for many years, typically operating around $10,000 annually.” 

Certifications and continual education are costly for both the agency and the individual, and the fund helps close that gap. 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. 

“By growing it, Shepherd’s Cove can open the door to advancement for more employees, ensuring they have the expertise, training and credentials needed to provide the highest level of hospice care. These investments flow directly back into the community through exceptional service to patients and families.”

Proceeds from the Summer Soirée also sustain six essential, non-reimbursed programs: Charity Care, Palliative Care, Grief Support, Last Wish, Patient Assistance and We Honor Veterans.

Steed said the community support has been outstanding.

“With generous sponsorships and donated auction items helping set the stage for a successful evening. Tickets are still available, and we hope to welcome both familiar supporters and new faces to this year’s event.”

This year’s Summer Soirée theme, “Nola Nights,” will transport guests to the heart of New Orleans with vibrant décor, a live jazz trio and delicious food. 

Catering for the evening will be provided by Papa Dubi’s, featuring a spectacular menu infused with authentic New Orleans flavor.

“One of the evening’s most anticipated moments is the mystery live auction item,” Steed continued. 

“While organizers are keeping the details under wraps, the auctioneer often teases that it could be “as grand as a European trip or as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” Past winners have all agreed—the surprise has been well worth it. When the last note of jazz fades and the final auction item is claimed, the true measure of the night will be felt in the lives touched by the generosity in that room. Every ticket, every bid, every moment spent at Summer Soirée becomes care, comfort and hope for patients and families who need it most. This is more than an event. It is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself, and we want you in that room to make it happen.”

The deadline to purchase tickets for the Shepherd’s Cove Foundation Summer Soiree “Nola Nights” will be on Tuesday, August 12.

The event will be held on Thursday, August 14, at The Majestic Venue in Albertville.

Tickets for the evening are $100 per person or $800 per table.

If you cannot attend but would still like to make a difference, donations can be made at  www.schsummersoiree.com.

For tickets, sponsorships, or more information visit schsummersoiree.com or contact the foundation office at 256-891-7724.