LAKEPORT >> Mark your calendars: on Saturday, June 9, Hospice Services of Lake County will host its 4th annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser. The pledge-based hiking event supports the organization’s bereavement program and will be held at Highland Springs Park, 3600 E. Highland Springs Road, with hikes starting at 8:15 a.m.
Hospice care is an instrumental facet of our well-being, and though it is covered by public and private health insurance, it often falls in the lap of care providers to pay for uninsured patients.
Hospice Services of Lake County has provided free and low-cost care for the seriously ill since 1980. The organization garners funding in a variety of ways, including Hospice Thrift Stores in Clearlake, Lakeport, and Middletown. 100 percent of funds from Hike for Hospice will go to Lake County residents in need.
Individuals and teams are encouraged to register for hikes and to seek pledges from families, neighbors, friends and local businesses. The 1, 2, 3 and 5-mile hikes will begin at Highland Springs Park and follow trails that have been reopened and maintained largely by local volunteers in recent years.
The Highland Springs Recreational Area offers fishing and non-motorized boating at Highland Springs Reservoir, a disc golf course and abundant wildflower viewing, in addition to 30 miles of hiking trails.
In addition to the hikes, participants can look forward to refreshments and live music from the Bridge Band. Hospice Services Director of Development Janine Smith-Citron said the event is intended “Not only as a fundraiser, but as a fun-raiser, too.” She mentioned that the impact of Hike for Hospice comes from “the awareness it creates” about Hospice Services in addition to the money raised.
Hike for Hospice has been made possible by sponsors like Sutter Health, Calpine, the Lucerne Community Clinic, the Jones & Lewis Clearlake Memorial Chapel, and more.
Hikers can register in person at a Hospice Thrift Store (14290 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake; 1717 S. Main St., Lakeport; 21257 Calistoga Rd, Middletown), by calling Hospice Services at 707-263-6270, ext. 111, or by sending an email to pr@lakecountyhospice.org.
The first 150 hikers to collect $25 or more in pledges will be rewarded with a free T-shirt, and anyone submitting pledges between June 5-8 will qualify for a prize drawing the day of the event. For more information, visit lakecountyhospice.org,
