annual Events
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life fundraiser and Remembrance Ceremony is a long-standing Hospice tradition. During the months of November and December, for a $10 donation, individuals may pay tribute to a loved one who has passed. The name of the honored person is printed on a decorative paper ornament and placed on the Tree of Life found in the lobby of the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla. The names are also inscribed in the Tree of Life Book, which sits adjacent to the Tree. This is a wonderful way to memorialize loved ones during the holiday season while supporting the important work of Hospice.
TO MAKE A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF SOMEONE, CLICK HERE.
In addition, beautifully etched-glass, commemorative ornaments can be purchased for $30. This year’s image depicts a pair of ice skates. Commemorative glass ornaments from previous years can be purchased for a $15 donation. Please contact the office to find out which years are available.
TO PURCHASE A COMMEMORATIVE GLASS ORNAMENT, CLICK HERE.
On the second Monday in December, this year on December 11th, we host the Tree of Life Remembrance Ceremony. It includes a reading of all the names of those commemorated, candle lighting, quiet reflection and accompanying live music by a local musician—this year we will be joined by pianist Brooklyn Gerber and cellist Cristina Showalter. The event is hybrid: in-person and on Zoom. If you plan to attend in-person, a RSVP is appreciated though not required. Please contact us via info@wwhospice.org or 509-525-5561.
To join in the Zoom format of the Remembrance Ceremony, follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86214938021?pwd=VFpxZFhsaERIemNyM1QvdmVlUzVhdz09
Meeting ID: 862 1493 8021; Password: 194712
Past Zoom recordings of the Ceremony can be experienced via the buttons below. Please note the 2022 Ceremony begins seven minutes into the recording.
To view the list of tributes in the Book of Life, click on the year below.
To view the recorded Name Reading Ceremonies, click on the year below.
UPDATE FOR 11/28 THROUGH 12/31
Thank you for your support of Walla Walla Community Hospice's Tree of Life Campaign.
We'd like you to know that as of November 28, 2023, and through the end of 2023, there is a new way to financially support WWCH. During that timeframe, all donations given to WWCH through the Valley Giving Guide will be boosted up to $10,000. If you are going to make a year-end financial gift, please consider doing it via www.valleygivingguide.org and INCREASE your donation. We will not know the percentage until the end of the year, though last year it was 11% for all online donations and there were fewer sponsors than this year. This is a powerful way to support good work happening in our community! The Valley Giving Guide is in its third year, and is administered by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.
To be clear, to purchase tribute ornaments to place on the Tree of Life for loved ones or a commemorative 2023 glass-etched ornament, you must still use this WWCH order page—any additional monies you may choose to add as a donation (unrelated to tributes and ornaments) we request that you offer through the Valley Giving Guide so your donation can be doubled. Please reach out to us via info@wwhospice.org or 509-525-5561 with any questions. Thank you for your consideration and support!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Our volunteers are essential to the wrap-around support we offer our patients, and their caregivers and loved ones. We honor their service. This annual event occurs during National Volunteer Appreciation Week and is our attempt to repay their kindness and selflessness. This event is by invitation only and an RSVP is required. For more information, email luke@wwhospice.org
POND & GARDEN EXPERIENCE
A self-guided tour of lovely gardens featuring art & music
The Pond and Garden Tour provides a day for Walla Walla residents to take a peek at the gardens, ideas and hard work of others. It has grown into a tradition for many residents who come back year after year. Tour goers discover ideas that they can use themselves, and hopefully get in the mood to start digging around in their own gardens! On the self-guided tour, properties may be visited in any order that you choose. Your ticket includes a map and descriptions of all the gardens.
Each of the gardens offers a distinctive style reflecting the tastes and personalities of the homeowners. Some of the gardens are small, quaint and eclectic, while others are large, expansive with mountain views. We showcase a wide variety of styles and locations to appeal to all tastes.
In addition to the gardens, tour goers can shop for garden art from northwest vendors, listen to live music, observe artists in the gardens, learn from Master Gardeners and enjoy refreshments along the way.
SAVE THE SPRING DATE: MAY 18, 2024
rock painting
ALL AGES SUMMER SUPPORT & GRATITUDE EVENT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00AM
OUTSIDE of WALLA WALLA COMMUNITY HOSPICE OFFICE, 1067 E Isaacs Ave
Losing a loved one is never easy, and paying tribute to them in a multitude of ways may channel some of the grief we may be experiencing. Rock painting has a long history of symbolism and of honoring those who've passed.
Join us at the picnic tables outside of our Hospice building to paint your special rock in memory of your loved one, or you may pull through our driveway and pick up your Rock Painting kit to take home. Either way, we’ll have all the supplies you need.
When you pick up your rock painting kit (which include rocks, paint, brush, Dixie cup, Sharpie, etc.), our staff will be there to greet you with a huge smile.
Here’s what you need to do to participate:
1. Register on Eventbrite by Thursday, August 17th, so we know to expect you.
2. Join us at 1067 E Isaacs Ave, Walla Walla, sometime between 9 and 11am on Saturday, August 19th, to paint in person or to pick up your Rock Painting kit to go. If you are picking it up to go, you can just drive through the parking lot.
3. Paint the rock with something meaningful to you regarding your loved one.
4. When you are finished, if you like, take a photo of your rock and post it on your Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #wwchrocks, so we can all see what you created.
5. If you like, email the picture to luke@wwhospice.org.
We hope to see you soon. If you are interested in knowing more about our grief support opportunities, please review our support options on this page or contact us at 509-525-5561 and info@wwhospice.org.
RSVP on Eventbrite, click HERE.
hospice autumn luncheon series
A Luncheon for our greater community focused on connection, learning and support with guest Keynote Speaker retired Hospice Physician Dr. KAREN WYATT
WEDNESDAY, October 11, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Whitman College Reid Center Ballroom, 345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla**
We invite you to be a part of Walla Walla Community Hospice's new tradition, the inaugural Autumn Luncheon, so bring your friends and family and join us for an impactful program celebrating inspiring life lessons while supporting the compassionate care of hospice! To make your reservation on EventBrite, click here.
Check in begins at 11:30am. Enjoy mingling with our community in the foyer of the Whitman College Reid Center until our one-hour program begins at noon in the Ballroom.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Karen Wyatt, graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed Family Practice Residency and a Fellowship in Psychiatry at the University of Utah. She spent many years of her clinical career as a hospice medical director and has written extensively about end-of-life care, including the book 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying. She is passionate about helping people find meaning during the most difficult times of life.
Dr. Wyatt is a founding member of the Integral Health and Medicine Center where she has taught about the application of Integral Theory to medical care, particularly at the end of life. She also hosts End-of-Life University Podcast, which features interviews and conversations about all aspects of aging and the end-of-life. She has won numerous awards for her volunteer service including the Spirit of the American Woman Award and being named one of Utah’s 100 Notable Women.
Tickets are $50/person. Tables seat 10 people. We request that you RSVP by October 1st, and there are no refunds for ticket sales.
To download a photo of the Autumn Luncheon invitation to share with others, click here.