Fundraiser will raise money for children's hospice home

Talk about it

Betz and Taum Ulrich wanted to spend their retirement helping others. Betz, a former nurse, has special place in her heart for children, so when she learned about Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota she knew she wanted to help.

The mission of Children’s Lighthouse is to build a residential respite and hospice home for children in the Twin Cities area. The home would provide palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Betz said there are only three children’s hospice homes in the country and she believes there should be more.

“There are 2,200 families in the upper Midwest who could use a home like this,” said Betz.

So, Betz and Taum decided to plan a fundraiser to help the non-profit raise money to build the home. They decided to host a musical event and enlisted the help of the Rosemount Area Arts Council to put it on.

“It’s a noble cause and we’re glad to be able to help,” said RAAC member Keith Reed.

Musical Heart Notes — Treasuring Children will be take place from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Steeple Center. The event will include performances by the Eagan Women of Note; Dale O’Brien, a guitarist and singer; Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Las Zapatistas of Anda Flamenco Company, Shandy Jimenez Latino Band and magician Darren Marr. KTSP anchor Bill Lunn will emcee the event.

Additionally, representatives from Children’s Lighthouse will talk about the importance of building a facility for children. There will be prize drawings held throughout the afternoon and Betz said people can know they are supporting a good cause.

“I think it will be a fun afternoon,” said Betz.

Advance tickets are $25 and available at www.childrenslighthousemn.org. Tickets will be available at the door for $30.

The cause

Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota is a non-profit organization dedicated to building an independent home to provide short respite breaks for children with life-limiting conditions, according the organization’s website. The home will provide compassionate hospice care at the end of life specialized for children.

Betz said the needs of children differ from adults and that the center will provide care to them and their families.

Currently there are no respite or hospice care centers for children in the upper Midwest.

The house planned for Minnesota will offer a family-focused environment. Along with therapy rooms and recreational space, family suites will be designed so families may stay together while enjoying a temporary vacation from the constant demands of caregiving. Skilled professionals will be on site to provide daily care, meals, pain and symptom control, and therapies that include music, art and hydrotherapy.

After visiting a similar center in Arizona, Betz said she realized the need and value in having such a facility here the Twin Cities.

“It was wonderful place,” said Betz. “We’re trying to make that difference here.”

Children’s Lighthouse will provide respite and hospice care for children from birth to 21 years old. Children and their families will be able to stay at Children’s Lighthouse in one of eight to 10 bedrooms for respite stays and as a sacred place at the end of life. The home will also offer three or four suites so the family may remain close if they choose while receiving physical and emotional respite, and have the opportunity to develop meaningful and supportive relationships with other families with similar experiences.

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