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Hospice of West Alabama (HOWA) would never be able to operate without the community support we receive. In addition to funds provided from the United Way, local churches and memorial donations from individuals, HOWA has two major fundraising events annually.
In addition to the fundraisers, we also have several other events that are free and open to the community. See the information below for a general description of our annual events. A more detailed page may be found under the HOWA Happenings menu closer to the time of the event, and dates will be added to the Upcoming Events Calendar as they become available.
The HOWA 5K is held in the spring and is a reunion, in a way, as many families of former patients participate, as well as many members of the Tuscaloosa Track Club. Participants can choose to run in memory or honor of a loved one, giving their walk a personal meaning. The event includes activities for the entire family, and it gets bigger and better every year.
Night of Lights is held in the fall. It is a free memorial celebration for anyone who has experienced the loss of someone close to them. The event represents hope and peace. Attendees have the opportunity to walk along a lighted memorial trail and witness the release of beautiful sky lanterns. Each light will honor and memorialize those no longer with us. For it is a light of hope that can overcome the darkness of pain and loss.
Another annual event that HOWA hosts is the Community End of Life Forum. This is a one-day educational conference that is free to the community. The EOL Forum is held in November, which is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It features several speakers that provide information on different topics related to end of life issues. CEU credit is available for licensed nurses, social workers, and counselors.
The Candlelight Memorial Service is a non-denominational service held annually to remember those in our community who have passed within the year. Each service features special music, inspirational thoughts and readings, and a special lighting of a candle by those in attendance in memory of someone who has died. The service is held in December.