Housecall Providers blog

Works of Heart 30th anniversary celebration: where care became art

Works of Heart Artistic Director Marianna Thielen

Works of Heart Artistic Director Marianna Thielen setting the stage for an unforgettable night at The Old Church.

Dec 17, 2025

On October 9, more than 100 guests gathered at The Old Church in downtown Portland for Works of Heart, Housecall Providers’ 30th-anniversary celebration and an evening where the art of patient care truly came to life.

What began in 1995 as Dr. Benneth Husted’s small, mission-driven vision has grown into a $25 million nonprofit providing primary care, palliative care and hospice to thousands of homebound and seriously ill Oregonians each year. To honor this milestone, Housecall Providers invited community members to celebrate the people and purpose behind its mission.

An evening when care became art

The event featured a unique collaboration between local artists and Housecall Providers patients, resulting in original works of art that reflected the beauty, humor and humanity found in the care relationship. Guests became part of these exchanges as stories of resilience and compassion came to life.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the evening raised more than $13,000 to support the event. We were deeply honored to have both Dr. Benneth Husted, our founder, and Terri Hobbs, our first executive director following Benneth, in attendance. Their presence was a touching reminder of the courage and commitment that built the foundation we continue to stand on today.

Honoring our community legacy of putting people over profits

Over the past three decades, current and former staff have delivered essential in-home medical care to nearly 20,000 homebound patients. In a healthcare landscape increasingly shaped by corporate profit models, Housecall Providers’ nonprofit mission remains clear: to put people before profit and compassion before convenience. With the ongoing partnership of CareOregon and the support of donors, foundations, and community allies, we continue to protect and expand access to high-quality, person-centered care.

As CEO Rebecca Ramsay shared, “Our commitment to nonprofit values and community-centered service is our most powerful tool. Together, we are ensuring that home-based care remains a standard of excellence for everyone who needs it.”

Join us in shaping the next 30 years

We extend heartfelt thanks to every artist, patient, volunteer, sponsor and guest who made this evening so memorable. If you missed the celebration or would like to revisit the performances, you can watch the full program here.

Your continued support keeps this mission alive. Learn more or give today at housecallproviders.org/donate.