Over 600 attendees joined Haven Hospice to celebrate the tenth anniversary of ViVA! with an African Safari theme at Rembert Farms on April 12 with dancing, music, incredible food, live and silent auctions, and a display of African art and artifacts from the Harn Museum and local collectors.
Attendees were transported to another continent by the music and dance performance from the University of Florida African Studies Department, singing by the University of Florida Africa Choir and incredible cuisine from Blue Water Bay.
Named the Best Charity Gala of 2013 by HOME Magazine, the 2014 ViVA! theme was inspired by the relationship between Haven Hospice and Grahamstown Hospice—its sister hospice organization in Grahamstown, South Africa. The organizations were paired up by Global Partners in Care, a subsidiary, non-profit foundation through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. All proceeds from ViVA! benefit unreimbursed programs and services provided by Haven Hospice.
The event wouldn’t be a success without the many volunteers who help out each year.
“ViVA! volunteers really showed enthusiasm and dedication to assure all of our guests had a fabulous time,” said Haven Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Jayna Mason. “Not only did we have our Haven volunteers and volunteers from Gators 4 Haven Hospice, but volunteers from Santa Fe College Cardiovascular Technology Program and the University of Florida Golden Key International Honor Society joined us as well. Every volunteer I spoke to replied that they were having a great time!”