New event date will be May 22, 2021; proceeds will benefit not-for-profit’s Open Access Program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 24, 2020) – Hospice of Michigan has canceled its fifth annual Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser and will host the event next year on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Van Andel Arena, located at 130 Fulton St. W. in Grand Rapids. The fundraiser is one of three Barley, BBQ & Beats events Hospice of Michigan is canceling across the state. Tickets purchased for this year’s fundraiser have already been refunded or accepted as a donation to Hospice of Michigan.
“It comes with great regret that Hospice of Michigan had to cancel this year’s Barley, BBQ & Beats,” said Marcie Hillary, senior vice president of community relations for Hospice of Michigan. “We had to make this tough, but necessary, decision to ensure the health and safety of our supporters. We’re excited about having next year’s date already confirmed – and we look forward to bringing the fun back to Grand Rapids in 2021 so Hospice of Michigan can raise the much-needed funds to provide the best possible end-of-life care to patients and their families across the state.”
Individuals can still support Hospice of Michigan through a donation by visiting www.hom.org/donations.
The not-for-profit raises approximately $500,000 every year from Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraisers, which equals 3,000 days of hospice care – and since 2016, supporters have collectively raised more than $1.35 million for its Open Access Program, which ensures all who need end-of-life care in Northern Michigan and beyond have access to it, regardless of their age, diagnosis, or ability to pay.
Hospice of Michigan encourages guests to support Barley, BBQ & Beats vendors during this difficult time by ordering take-out or delivery, purchasing gift cards or giving positive reviews on social media. The local, Michigan-based distillers and pit masters that were set to take part in Barley, BBQ & Beats include:
- American Char
- Bier Distillery
- Coppercraft Distillery
- Daddy Pete’s BBQ
- Detroit City Distillery
- Eastern Kille Distillery
- Grand Traverse Distillery
- Iron Fish Distillery
- Journeyman Distillery
- Long Road Distillers
- Louise Earl Butcher
- Main Street BBQ
- Mammoth Distillery
- Piggie’s BBQ
- New Holland Spirits
- Saladino Smoke
- Slows Bar BQ
- The Grilling Company
- Two James Spirits
- Two Scotts Barbecue
Hospice of Michigan thanks our statewide sponsors, which include presenting sponsor CareLinc Home Medical Equipment & Supply, as well as American House Senior Living Communities, Betten Baker Chevrolet Buick of Cadillac, Betz Industries, Miller Welding Supply, Pioneer Construction, The Meijer Foundation, US Signal, The Cadillac News, WZZM 13 On Your Side and 9&10 News.
For updated information about Barley, BBQ & Beats, please visit www.hom.org/BBB2020.
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the not-for-profit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve nearly 5,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.