$1 Million Gift from Mary Ullen will Create Serenity Garden for Avow

Shown left to right in photo: Avow Board Chairman Charles Hoffman, Avow President & CEO Jaysen Roa, Mary Ullen, Avow Foundation Vice President Melissa Phillips and Avow Board Vice-Chairman Vipul Grover.Naples, Fla.

(November 7, 2016) – Avow Foundation received a $1 million gift from Mary Ullen to create a serenity garden on the Avow campus in Naples. The Mary and Robert Ullen Serenity Garden will be located between the Ispiri community center and the new Lyon Center currently under construction. Avow is located on Whippoorwill Lane, off Pine Ridge Road, just west of the I-75 interchange.

“When my husband was in hospice care at Avow’s inpatient center, I saw so many families sitting by the sides of their loved ones for hours on end,” Ullen said. “Through this gift, I wish to create a serene space where families can connect with nature to find solace and relief from their heart-breaking realities.”

“We are deeply touched by Mary’s heartfelt gift,” said Avow Foundation Vice President Melissa Phillips. “Gardens were a place for Mary and her late husband Robert to escape from their busy schedules. Through this generous donation to Avow, Mary is sharing her passion for nature and her compassion for those facing serious illness, caregiving and loss.”

The Ullen Garden is part of planned green space expansion on the Avow campus. Members of the Avow Foundation will continue to seek philanthropic support to bring the full plan to fruition.

Donations to Avow Foundation, Inc. support Avow’s hospice services in Collier County, Florida and palliative care services in southwest Florida.

To learn more about Avow Foundation, Inc. visit avowcares.org/donate-now or call 239-261-4404.

About Avow®

Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County’s original, nonprofit hospice. Today, Avow’s nonprofit companies provide palliative care consultations for people facing chronic or serious illness and hospice care and bereavement support services for children and adults.

Avow Foundation develops and stewards resources that support Avow’s nonprofit, mission-driven services. The Foundation links people with opportunities that fuel their dreams, satisfy their desire to serve others, and ignite their benevolent spirit.