On November 12, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. Stepping Stones of Hope, a local non-profit organization that provides support for grieving children and adults, will host its 8th annual gala event at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale.  The gala will feature a plated dinner as well as silent and live auctions.

Stepping Stones of Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs that advocate for the bereaved and support the grieving process.  It was founded in 1999 by Dr. Charles A. (Chip) Finch DO, who also serves as medical director for MedFlight911 Air Ambulance.

Stepping Stones of Hope programs include weekend Camp Paz for Kids/Grown-Ups, After Camp Support Groups, A Day at Camp Paz, Camp Paz at School, Grief at School, Grief at Work, Educational Outreach, and a variety of collaborative programs and special offerings.

Finch started the organization to fill a void – at the time, there were no programs available in Phoenix as ongoing grief support for kids who had lost loved ones.  As an emergency room physician, Finch saw firsthand how family members struggled to deal with the grief of the loss of a loved one.

Like Chip, I’ve seen a many deaths over my career as an emergency medical professional.  So I am proud for MedFlight911Air Ambulance to provide financial support to Stepping Stones of Hope – to help grieving families understand that they are not alone in their grief, that there are others who lost loved ones too, who are experiencing the same kinds of emotions.  Stepping Stones of Hope helps them through that grieving process.

Proceeds from the gala go to support Stepping Stones of Hope programs.  Register for the gala or make a donation online at http://steppingstonesofhope.org/.