South Central Regional Medical Center Hosts the 11th Annual Art of Healing

An Evening of Great Food, Live Music
and a Silent and Live Auction for Great Cause.

One of the most anticipated events in South Central Mississippi, the Art of Healing features items from around the country which have been donated for auction by artists or businesses.  The proceeds go to the South Central Health Care Foundation to fund community health education and screening initiatives. Lives are saved as a result of early intervention through the community health programs which are offered throughout the year.

Becky Collins, Director of Community Relations at South Central Regional Medical Center, said, “The Art of Healing, an annual auction and social event, serves as the main fundraiser for the South Central Health Care Foundation. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.”

The 2019 Art of Healing auction will feature woodwork; oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; handmade jewelry; and more. The event will feature a “Friends of the Foundation” category, which will include items donated by businesses and individuals, such as specialty dinners, vacations, skincare products, handbags, photography sessions, and more. Internationally acclaimed artist, Mark Landis, will donate several pieces for the silent and live auctions again this year.

“Our goal with the Art of Healing is to spread the message of hope and healing through beautiful art and a fun event,” says Collins. “This annual event is open to all members of the community. We invite all to attend and enjoy the evening with friends. With help from artists, community partners and guests, Art of Healing continues to grow each year.”

South Central is excited to welcome back one of the top cover bands in the South, Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. The band will keep all guests entertained with music from the 70’s and 80’s to current day until 11 pm. “We had over 500 in attendance at the event last year and guests enjoyed the music and an evening of dancing. The band was so much fun that those attending requested we bring the band back again this year,” Collins said. “Their music is the perfect mixture of favorites for crowds of all ages.”

“The Art of Healing serves as the largest fundraiser of the South Central Health Care Foundation. The proceeds from the event, as well as financial contributions made during other foundation fundraisers, contribute to the cost of community health projects. Over the years, thousands of local citizens have participated in wellness initiatives coordinated and funded by the foundation,” Collins said. “Early detection of disease is key. As a result of our efforts, health conditions have been found early and lives have been saved.”

The event has grown each year and event planners are expecting another large crowd this year. “The cost of the event is extremely reasonable at $45. I encourage you to get your tickets early by visiting the scrmc.com website,” Collins said. “We are going to have a great time.”

“Almost everyone has been touched by an illness in some way – through a family member, co-worker or friend,” said Collins. “The goal of this event is not only to raise funds to support community health screenings and community outreach initiatives, but also to educate the community about how illness has affected many that live here.  Through the continued support of our community, we hope to have another successful fund raiser for the South Central Health Care Foundation.”

The 2019 event is planned for Saturday, March 23^rd, and will begin at 7 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction, a live auction, a large array of food, a cash bar, live music by Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, and much more. “The 2019 Art of Healing will be a night to remember and we hope you are there to celebrate. The dress for the evening is cocktail attire. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit scrmc.com or call 601-399-0503. The event will be held at The Gables at 1915 Bush Dairy Road in Laurel,” Collins concluded.

Electronic Bidding

The 2019 Art of Healing will again feature Greater Giving Online Bidding, an electronic bidding system. This will allow guests to use their smartphone or tablet to bid on silent auction items. Also, guests can easily track auction items by “following” their activity without having to continuously return to a table or bid sheet.

“Greater Giving Online Bidding was introduced to Art of Healing in 2017,” said Collins. “Electronic bidding provided guests the ability to bid on auction items from the comfort of their seat, the dance floor or while outside talking with friends. We encourage those interested in attending to purchase tickets early to preview auction items before the event.”

Wine Pull

“We are always trying to make the Art of Healing a fun and exciting event,” said Collins. “So we have included a wine pull at the event in years past. The wine pull featured over 40 bottles of wine donated by local medical providers valued from $20 to over $200. Guests randomly selected a number and paid $20 to win a bottle of wine. It was exciting and fun for all involved.” The event will feature a wine pull again this year.

Collins concluded by saying, “The Art of Healing would not be possible without contributions from numerous community partners and donations made by artists and others who contribute to the event. We sincerely appreciate their support and help.”

Community Partners for the 2019 Art of Healing:

BancorpSouth | Burson Entrekin Orr Mitchell & Lacey, PA | Chancellor, Inc. | Chas. N. Clark Associates, LTD. | City of Laurel | Community Bank | Ear Nose & Throat Surgical Clinic | Foil Wyatt Architects & Planners | Howard Industries | IMPACT of Laurel | John D. Jefcoat – State Farm | Joiner Insurance, Inc. | Jones County Chamber of Commerce | Laurel Cancer Care | Laurel Leader-Call | Magnolia State Bank | Radiology Associates, PA | Sanderson Farms | Southern Advantage, Inc. | The First | The Gables | Trustmark National Bank | VentureSouth | WDAM | WHLT | William F. Horne & Co.