Since 1996, Community Hospice of Baldwin County has not turned away any patient, regardless of their ability to pay, according to Lana Wheeler with Community Hospice.

Wheeler said the patients who need financial assistance to pay for their care are just like everyone else, these patients are working people who have insurance until they contract a terminal illness and lose their coverage because they cannot work anymore.

In order to offset the costs for patients with limited funds for hospice care Community Hospice of Baldwin County will hold its sixth annual exhibition and sale of original artwork on  Oct. 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Cotton Creek Clubhouse at Craft Farms in Gulf Shores.

Fine wines, hors d’oeurves and international cheeses will be served. Live and silent auctions will also be held to auction off art and other donations that Community Hospice has received.

“I think that this is our sixth year to do this and I guess six years ago we decided that we were going to try to think of something that would be public friendly that could help us raise money to take care of people that have no way to pay for their care,” Wheeler said. “Helping patients receive quality care that they need has been the goal of this event from the very beginning.”

Wheeler recalled the first art show and sale that Community Hospice of Baldwin County held.

“It started small, and it has gotten bigger every year. Basically we have gone from just having some wine and some cheese and a few pieces of art to having a whole lot of wine, a whole lot of cheese, and a whole lot of stuff and a bunch of art.”

Coordinators of this year’s event are confident that their array of art and other items to be auctioned off will pique the interest of many. This year’s offerings include 200-250 items, ranging from fine art and photography to gift baskets and services from local businesses. There will also be pottery and glass blowing pieces.

“We try to get some really nice stuff and we don’t turn anything away that people want to give us,” Wheeler said.

Gerry Stiffler, an organizer for the event siad “we have a lot of very generous people in this area who are very kind to us and contribute year after year.”

The first year that the event was held, only $1,500 was raised. Last year, this event raised $20,000. Wheeler is hoping the event continues to grow and hopes to raise more money this year. “I know that the economy is down, and I don’t know if people are going to spend money, but mostly people who are going to support hospice are going to support hospice no matter what.” Wheeler said.

A $20 donation per person is suggested for entry into the event. Tickets will be available until the event by calling 251-943-5015, or can be purchased at the door.

Community Hospice of Baldwin County serves all of Baldwin county and typically has between 50 and 60 patients at any given time. Wheeler said “Our philosophy is still focused on the patient,” and she wouldn’t have it any other way.