Songs That Hold Us

Songs That Hold Us is a benefit evening created to support The Waiting Place — a grief and trauma companioning center offering safe, sacred space for those navigating loss. Through music and conversation, we gather to listen, reflect, and be held together.

    Songs That Hold Us premieres in
  
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    Wednesday, June 3, 2026 • 7:00 PM MDT

About Songs That Hold Us

Songs That Hold Us is a musical conversation between Patti Merrill and longtime family friend Whitne Strain, created in support of The Waiting Place Foundation.

Throughout the evening, Patti reflects on the loss of her daughter 31 years ago and the passing of her late husband in March of 2025. Through music, memory, and honest conversation, she shares stories of love, grief, caregiving, and the vision that continues to guide the heart of The Waiting Place.

Whitne has been a close witness to many seasons of Patti’s life and loss. During Roland’s illness, she would often sing to him, including several of the songs featured in this special evening, songs that became deeply meaningful to him and to their family.

Featured songs include:

Annie’s Song
Hallelujah
Don’t Be Afraid
Desperado
Can’t Help Falling in Love

More than a performance, Songs That Hold Us is an invitation into remembrance, reflection, and the kind of connection that grief often asks of us. Together, Patti and Whitne create space for stories that are tender, honest, and deeply human.

This event also supports the continued growth of The Waiting Place Foundation and the spaces of grief support, companionship, and community it hopes to provide for others navigating loss.

Why Give?

Help Create Grief Care Packages
Your support helps provide thoughtful care packages that offer comfort, connection, and care to individuals, families and communities navigating grief and loss.
Make Support More Accessible
Donations help provide scholarship opportunities so more people can receive grief companionship and support regardless of financial circumstances.
Build Future Retreats & Programs
Every contribution helps lay the foundation for future grief groups, retreats, workshops, and community-centered support through The Waiting Place.
Support Honest Grief Conversations
Funding helps us continue creating podcasts, events, and resources that encourage open, compassionate conversations around grief and healing.
Help People Feel Less Alone
Your donation helps create spaces where grief can be witnessed gently, honestly, and in connection with supportive community and care.
Invest Long-Term in the Community
The Waiting Place is being built intentionally to provide lasting support, meaningful resources, and human-centered care for those navigating loss.

$10.00
Directly added to our resources fund, to help send grief care packages, and expand our grief support.

$25.00
Helps fill a care package with comforting and supportive resources.

$50.00
Sends one grief care package to someone who needs to feel seen, supported, and not alone.

$100.00
Helps deliver care packages and expand compassionate grief support in our community.

$250.00
Helps The Waiting Place Foundation provide ongoing care, connection, and grief support to individuals and families.

Custom Amount

Support us by covering the fees we have to pay

3% Cover the Fee

Frequently Asked Questions

The Waiting Place is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS. Your generous donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law and help us provide compassionate support for individuals and families navigating grief and loss.
Every donation made to The Waiting Place goes directly toward our mission of supporting those who are grieving. Your generosity helps fund care packages for individuals and families, expands our library of free resources, and brings us closer to creating a permanent brick-and-mortar space where people can find comfort and community. Donations also help us develop new programs, including support groups and other free services designed to ensure no one has to navigate grief alone.
Absolutely. We believe healing happens in community, and there are many ways to be part of what we're building. Whether you'd like to volunteer at events, help assemble care packages, lend your professional skills, or simply be a supportive presence, we'd love to connect with you. Reach out to us and we'll help you find a way to get involved that fits your time and talents
Yes! We gratefully accept many in-kind donations that support our care package program, events, and day-to-day operations. Items such as journals, blankets, self-care products, books, art supplies, and other comfort items are often incredibly helpful. If you have something you'd like to donate, please contact us first so we can let you know our current needs and arrange a drop-off.
Yes. Many people choose to give in honor or in loving memory of someone who has touched their lives. Tribute gifts are a beautiful way to celebrate a loved one's legacy while helping others who are navigating grief. If you'd like, you can include your loved one's name with your donation, and we're honored to recognize that your gift was made in their memory or honor.