By arhospice on May 17th, 2022

A highlight of Arkansas Hospice’s recent Party at the Plaza event was the presentation of the organization’s first Michael V. Aureli Compass Award to Sharon Aureli for her vital contributions to the nonprofit organization during its 30-year history.

The award is named for Sharon’s late husband, Michael Aureli, who was the founder of Arkansas Hospice and died in 2011 as a patient in the organization’s care.

For nearly 11 years, Sharon has been a key figure at Arkansas Hospice in her own right. In 2013, she joined the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, where she served for many years before being named the Foundation Board Chair in the fall of 2018. Since then, she’s moved over to the Arkansas Hospice Governing Board, where she continues to play an active role.

In addition, Sharon is extremely accomplished in her own career as a nurse. In 2015, she was named a Health Care Hero and Nurse of the Year by Arkansas Business for her work at Baptist Health.

The Michael V. Aureli Compass Award was presented during Arkansas Hospice’s new signature event, Party at the Plaza, on Saturday, April 23, at North Little Rock’s Argenta Plaza. While Sharon knew beforehand that she would receive the award, she did not know until the presentation that it would be named for her husband.

Paying tribute to Sharon during the presentation were Arkansas Hospice Foundation Board Chair Kim Pruitt, Arkansas Hospice Board Chair Barbara Sugg, and Arkansas Hospice President & CEO Judy Wooten.

Upon presentation of the award, Wooten stated, “She’s a person of great faith, and commitment to the mission of Arkansas Hospice. For the last 30 years, Sharon has been with us every step of the way. She’s been a constant companion and supporter, pointing the needle to the true north of care and compassion for those facing serious illness and loss. She truly has what we call a ‘hospice heart.’”

Prior to the event, those wanting to join Sharon in supporting the mission of Arkansas Hospice were invited to become a “Friend of Sharon” for a $100 donation in her honor.

CLICK HERE and add yourself to the growing list of Friends of Sharon and support the mission of Arkansas Hospice in her honor.

The next Michael V. Aureli Compass Award presentation is slated for April 2023 in conjunction with the next Party at the Plaza benefiting Arkansas Hospice.