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The most expensive work ever auctioned at the charity auction for the Hospice of St. Lazarus in Pilsen, which took place on 28 November, came from the series entitled Gravitational Obstacles by Evžen Šimera. Its new owner offered CZK 50,000 for it. Nearly a hundred works of art - paintings or photographs - were on offer for the auction evening, while admirers of graphic art, paintings or jewellery also came into their own.

A total of 34 registered bidders and many other supporters and friends of the hospice attended. In total, people auctioned works worth CZK 525,550 for the hospice. "It's not just the much needed funds for us, it's also the beautiful atmosphere of the auction and the energy from the artists who were willing to donate their works to a good cause. Willingness and good intentions are very necessary for society as a whole," said Jiřina Helíšková, director of the Hospice of St. Lazarus.

"I like the silent auction items here the best. I'm interested in a lot of graphics," said Alena during the event, who was complemented by Egon, a student of the Faculty of Design and Art at UWB: "We are looking at what we are most interested in and then we will decide whether we should try to auction something."

This year's benefit auction for the hospice is the seventh in a row. "This is the first time the auction has been held at the UWB library and it was the culmination of the exhibition of the works auctioned today, and the exhibition was on display here in the library from 4 November until today. We were pleased and proud that the hospice chose the University Library," said Miloslava Faitová, director of the University Library of the West Bohemian University. "The moderator with a sense of humour and the pleasant atmosphere crowned this charity event full of kindness," she added.

Only 50% of the cost of hospice care is covered by insurance companies. The remaining half is covered by the hospice from other sources, mainly donations. Proceeds from auctions are generally used by the facility to improve services, purchase necessary equipment and finance operations. In this case, however, the proceeds will be used, as they were last year, for the design and technical documentation of a new building in Plzeň-Litice, where the hospice is to be relocated from Slovan in Plzeň in the future. "It is very urgent and it is very important for us, because it is very uncomfortable for the patients, their families and the staff in the current premises. There is no greenery or park. Of course, we are still trying to make the patients' last days more pleasant, but the new premises are simply very much needed," said Viktor Glier from the Hospice of St. Lazarus.

St. Lazarus Hospice is the only inpatient facility in the Pilsen Region that provides specialized palliative care to patients in the terminal stage of the disease. As far as home care is concerned, it is the only one in Pilsen. "The average length of stay for patients in our inpatient hospice is 25 days, while the average length of stay in a home hospice is about 16 days," Glier said. Hospice offers not only medical care, but also psychological and spiritual support to both patients and their loved ones:

 "Thank you so much for the short but wonderful care of our mom. The staff has our admiration for their positive attitude, empathetic smile and strength."

"Thank you very much for the wonderful care from the mobile hospice. We are so happy that because of your help, Daddy was able to die peacefully at home surrounded by his family. We really appreciate your care."

"Thank you for letting me be with Mommy until the end."

For more information about St. Lazarus Hospice, please visit the website.