Hospice of Hilo encourages businesses and families in the community to create fundraising teams for the 10th annual Celebration of Life.
Hospice of Hilo encourages businesses and families in the community to create fundraising teams for the 10th annual Celebration of Life.
The event will feature Hospice of Hilo’s 2.3-mile Walk to Remember starting at 5 p.m. followed by food, live entertainment and the launching of the luminaries on the Wailoa River at dusk.
Each year, the event raises significant funding to help patients and families throughout East Hawaii receive compassionate and quality care for loved ones facing a serious or life-limiting illness.
Teams, such as Garden Exchange, have made it their annual tradition to garner sponsors for their efforts for the event’s Walk to Remember.
“We ask customers who visit our store throughout April to make a contribution towards our team’s walk,” said 2013 first-place fundraiser Garden Exchange team leader Tracy Kalawe. “The commitment is really driven by our employees, especially Sandy Tabiolo, who is out there asking people to participate.”
For Garden Exchange team members, raising funds is a way to give back, “Hospice of Hilo took care of my aunty, Betty Enriques,” said Kalawe. “When she was diagnosed with cancer, she did not want to be in the hospital. She wanted to be in the comfort of her home around her family and loved ones. Hospice of Hilo made that possible.”
Recently, Kalawe again experienced Hospice of Hilo support for her father-in-law. “The Hospice of Hilo nurses are incredible. They completely opened their hearts up to help us care for our father. We are so grateful for their work and want to help ensure other families in our community can continue receiving this amazing service.”
Subway and HPM Building Supply have contributed as the Title Sponsors. KTA Superstores, Big Island Candies, Church of the Holy Apostles, Sidney Fuke and Green Point Nurseries Inc. have also donated as major sponsors.
More information about the event can be found at www.hospiceofhilo.org or by calling (808) 969-1733.