9th Annual Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk ‘Best One Yet’
Homeland Hospice hosted its 9th annual 5K and Memory Walk on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Rossmoyne Business Center in Mechanicsburg. More than 300 walkers, runners, staff and volunteers – an event record – gathered for this special annual Homeland tradition, which gives families an opportunity to remember those they’ve lost and raises funds to support those who need care today.
“This year’s 5K and Memory Walk was the best one yet,” said Myra Badorf, Assistant Director of Development for Homeland Hospice. “The weather was great and the turnout was even better.”
The Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk raises funds for benevolent services for hospice patients and their families. Homeland Hospice depends on the generosity of donors for its enhanced care for hospice patients such as massage therapy, music therapy, and extra in-home-relief hours for caregivers, as well as for residents at Homeland Center whose financial resources have been exhausted.
The Homeland Hospice 5K and Memory Walk began in 2014 when a group of staff and board members at Homeland wanted a signature event that would shed a different light on hospice and be an outreach to the surrounding communities they serve.
What was initially a competitive 5K run and walk has transitioned to include a Memory Walk focusing on patients and the family members that Homeland serves throughout Central Pennsylvania.
“The foundation of the event is to remember,” Myra said. “The event is for families to remember their loved ones and for us, as an organization, to remember and honor the community and people we are blessed to care for on a daily basis.”
The 5K and Memory Walk was open to runners, walkers, friends and family members of all ages, as well as their four-legged friends. Over $50,000 was raised, exceeding the event goal.
“We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors, staff and volunteers,” Myra added. “All of us at Homeland are deeply grateful for their support and generosity.”
After the event, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and cash prizes were awarded to the top three 5K male and female champions. Ribbons were also presented to the top three male and top three female finishers in eight age brackets, and additional prizes included largest team, oldest and youngest participants, and treats were given to all the adorable dogs.
