Annual ‘Tour of Tables’ planned Sept. 11 to benefit Oaklawn Hospice

MARSHALL – Planning has begun for the sixth annual Tour of Tables, which will benefit Oaklawn Hospice services.

Committee members already are preparing for the Sept. 11 event, to be held for the second year at Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub, 115 S. Eagle St.

“The ‘Tour of Tables’ is a terrific expression of our community’s dedication to our programs,” said  Theresa Shippell, a member of Oaklawn’s marketing team who is coordinating this year’s Tour of Tables. “It’s also a nice way to spend an evening together while providing funds for this excellent service to patients and their families, who face an incredible need at this time in their lives.”

The goal, as always, is to make the event fun for participants and their guests, by filling the dining area with tables decorated in various themes, Shippell said. Sponsored tables are decorated and set to reflect themes established by the hosts.

Last year’s top winner was a “pirate” table replete with sea-going and skeletal decorations and a Jolly Roger motif.

Erin Wilson, an Oaklawn Hospice social worker, is chairing the Tour of Tables steering committee. Other committee members are Sue Damron, Schuler’s president and managing partner; Donna Young, program director for Oaklawn Hospice; Mike Beck, Oaklawn’s executive director for development; Shippell; Sara Andrews, Oaklawn’s services coordinator; Sharon Boyd, Oaklawn’s chief support and ancillary services officer; Theresa Dawson, Oaklawn’s chief nursing officer; and Bonnie Edwards, Oaklawn’s coordinator of nursing administration and ancillary services.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, followed by a social hour and public viewing of the table, with dinner being served at 7 p.m. All guests will have a chance to vote on which table should be the 2015 winner.

The committee also is at work gathering donated items that will be available for silent auction during the event. Over the years, many Marshall area businesses and restaurants have donated funds and items for the annual Tour of Tables and its featured auction, Shippell said.

“We expect that there will be several high-quality packages, including dinners and program tickets donated by area businesses,” she said.

“We’re very grateful for the support we’ve received over the years that shows how much this community cares about Oaklawn Hospice,” Shippell said. “We invite businesses and individuals throughout the area will join us in this effort.”

Funds raised go directly to support Oaklawn Hospice’s comprehensive healthcare program, which works to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of persons with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Tables seating four, six, eight, 10 and 12 guests will be available on a first-come basis, Shippell said. The cost of purchasing a table will be $75 per person. Hosts frequently exchange the dinner tickets for donations from their guests, Shippell said.

Those seeking more details about the Tour of Tables, whether to participate in or donate to the events, may contact Shippell at (269) 789-3942 or tshippell@oaklawnhospital.com.