ANN ARBOR – For the first time ever, Arbor Hospice is holding its very own Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley in Ann Arbor.
Barley, BBQ & Beats is a fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails from local distilleries, mouth-watering barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances – all to support access to not-for-profit hospice. This unique fundraiser was launched in Grand Rapids in 2016 by Arbor Hospice’s partner, Hospice of Michigan. Since its first event, the fundraiser has expanded to Detroit and Cadillac, introducing more than 7,500 attendees to the not-for-profit hospice mission. Following a pandemic pause, this event has been expanded to include Ann Arbor in its 2023 lineup, which includes:
- Detroit – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Saint Andrew’s Hall
- Grand Rapids – 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
- Cadillac – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at The Wex
- Ann Arbor – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 21 at The Valley
- Traverse City – 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 at Cathedral Barn
- Alpena – 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at The Depot
Tickets for all Barley, BBQ & Beats events are on sale now, and can be purchased for $50 in advance at arborhospice.org/bbb or at the door of each event for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have sensitivities to barbecue foods.
Exclusive to the Grand Rapids event is a special appearance by two-time GRAMMY Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award Winning multiplatinum vocalist, Kelsea Ballerini. Visit hom.org/bbb for tickets and special ticket packages that include a ticket to Barley, BBQ & Beats and a ticket to the Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with Kelsea Ballerini at Van Andel Arena. Special ticket packages start at $186.
All those who donate during the events will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $250,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.
“For the first time ever, Barley, BBQ & Beats is coming to Ann Arbor – we can’t think of a better way to thank this community for its continued support than to host an event that brings people together to experience music, barbecue, cocktails and so much more,” said Pat Joy, Barley, BBQ & Beats committee chair and Arbor Hospice Foundation Board Member. “As our signature fundraiser, all proceeds raised from Barley, BBQ & Beats will help Arbor Hospice ensure quality end-of-life care is accessible for anyone in the community who needs it.”
Barley, BBQ & Beats guests are encouraged to pay tribute to a deceased loved one by posting a photo or sharing a memory at the event.
Statewide Barley, BBQ & Beats sponsors include Applied Innovation, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Fifth Third Bank, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, Miller Welding Supply & Industrial Gases and Pioneer Construction.
For tickets and more information, visit arborhospice.org/bbb. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Streich at kstreich@hom.org.
About Arbor Hospice
Arbor Hospice, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provides quality, compassionate care for those experiencing life-limiting illnesses throughout Washtenaw County and surrounding communities. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, Arbor offers certified community-based hospice services and palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, as well as grief support services and community education programs. Through other NorthStar Care Community members, Arbor also provides 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 Hospice of Michigan. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, visit www.arborhospice.org or call 888-992-2273.
