Hospice Memory Walk will be in-person on Sept. 26 at Holley Waterfalls

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2020 at 10:27 am

Provided photo: Pictured from last year’s Memory Walk left include Suzie Gifaldi, Violet (pup), Nora Shanklin, Elliott (pup), Andrea Brightly, LuAnn Brightly and Francine Spronz.

HOLLEY – Many local fundraising events have been cancelled or will be virtual this year, with no in-person gatherings.

However, one local agency will continue its Memory Walk with people invited for the event. Hospice of Orleans will have its annual Memory Walk at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the Holley Waterfalls.

“There will be ample space to spread out and social distance at the venue,” said Derek Reiner, Development & Public Relations manager for Hospice. “Folks who participate in this event usually sit or stand for the ceremony and then they disperse to the walking trails. All participants have been advised to bring a mask and social distance as necessary.”

Hospice will also have staff and volunteers on the course to stress the importance of adhering to the regulations.

Hospice decided the event is an important way to pay tribute to loved ones and also support the agency.

“Covid-19 has created many challenges and roadblocks for fundraising activities and events,” Reiner said. “We are very much looking forward to seeing familiar faces in a beautiful setting such as Holley Falls to reminisce and remember our loved ones. This event is great for uniting our community during such a difficult and grief-stricken time.”

While the Memory Walk is not a fundraiser, the proceeds raised help ensure that we will always have a Hospice program right here in Orleans County to serve families, friends and neighbors during their most critical times in life, Reiner said.

“The Memory Walk is a wonderful opportunity to stand in solidarity with fellow community members that have endured the loss of a loved one and to set aside time to celebrate the lives and experiences shared with them,” said Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Hospice of Orleans.

Everyone in the community, including those not served by Hospice, are welcome to attend the event. The Memory Walk is open to the newly bereaved and those wishing to honor a loved one who has died in the past.

“For me, the walk is a special time to set aside all of the other tasks at hand, enjoy the beautiful setting of Holley Falls, and focus on the memories of the people in my life who I miss every day,” Spychalski said. “Being together with others who are also reminiscing about their loved ones is special and allows all of us to honor and celebrate those we have loved and lost. 2020 has been a tremendous year of loss for so many in our community. We truly hope you will join us on this special day.”

Registration is required. For further information, call 585-589-0809 or email KNiles@hospiceoforleans.org or check the Hospice website for a registration form.

Other upcoming opportunities to support Hospice of Orleans:

• November – National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

• Dec. 1 – ROC the Day! Online giving campaign

• Dec. 5 – Light-A-Life ceremony

Return to top