Canvas, Cocktails & Community: A Night to Remember at The Hickman
June 1, 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, The Hickman was abuzz with energy and creativity as we hosted our annual Art of Caring: Canvas and Cocktails Spring Soiree, an evening that blended art, compassion, and community in the best possible way.
More than 100 guests gathered at our beautiful, historic campus for a night of mingling, mixing, and giving back, all to benefit The Hickman Resident Assistance Fund, which helps ensure that seniors of modest means continue to receive the dignified care they deserve.
Among the evening’s highlights was our fabulous guest bartender, Bob Rogers — a well-known West Chester Rotarian and beloved member of the local community — who was behind the bar shaking things up all night. Guests loved catching up with Bob, who generously poured his signature cocktails while sharing his passion for supporting local seniors.
The excitement continued with the dramatic mural reveal by talented local muralist and West Chester University student Noah Burns, whose vibrant installation now graces the historic Hickman tunnel. This stunning piece set the stage for our new community paint-by-number fundraiser, inspired by the Quaker Testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship, values that have guided The Hickman since its founding.
Guests were invited to sponsor a color and help paint one of six panels that will complete this special mural project. The first panel, Stewardship, was unveiled during the event, and guests are already lining up to paint their part, creating the perfect team-building or community experience for families, friends, and local groups.
Throughout the evening, guests explored resident-made ceramics and unique pieces from our Darlington Neighborhood Memory Care community, all while savoring delicious bites prepared by our fabulous dining team and a showstopping custom cake created by our own Rodney Sykes. The cake, decorated with elements inspired by the mural design, was almost too beautiful to eat.
Of course, we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors: Pine and Pine Law Offices, Serenity Hospice Care, Fulton Bank, and Gawthrop Greenwood, PC, whose support helps us continue this meaningful work.
As Board Chair Betsy Stratton summed it up best,
“The Art of Caring is more than an event; it’s a celebration of compassion, creativity, and community. Each year, I’m moved by the generosity of our supporters and the real difference they make in our residents’ lives.”
Want to Be Part of the Mural Story?
Individuals, families, and local businesses are encouraged to sponsor a color and help paint the mural panels, a perfect opportunity to create a lasting legacy at The Hickman while supporting our Resident Assistance Fund.
To learn more about how you can get involved or become a sponsor, please reach out to:
Cathleen Helmuth, Marketing & Events Manager
cathleen@thehickman.org | 484-760-6406