Erie Shores LifeWalk/Run Resounding Success!
July 13, 2021
The ESHF LifeWalk/Run for Hospice was held on Sunday, June 27 under sunny skies and warm breezes.
When the final tally came in, it sat at $125,000, which was raised through participant entries, pledges and generous donations from sponsors. The 214 participants had a choice of events within the event. They could compete in the half marathon timed event, compete in the 5k timed event, or participate in the untimed 5k walk/run for the exercise and to help support the cause. These folks plus, countless volunteers and sponsors, went all out in support of the Hospice. Many walked away with some swag, but all walked away with a sense of accomplishment.
“What a year to try to plan a highly-active, multi-layered event during a pandemic,” said Gloria Cavenago, Development and Events Officer for Erie Shores Health Foundation. “With over 65 volunteers, 13 very committed committee members, numerous zoom meetings, change of date to keep up with the ever changing restrictions, we were able to pull this off. So much love for this group! Wait till next year when we can be unleashed!”
Last year’s edition was a ‘Choose Your Challenge’ format, due to COVID restrictions, but the organizers were confident they could have a great in-person event this year and they followed that vision through. I had a vision on how to do it, but that vision would never have come to fruition without the trust and support ESHF gave me, or the committee of “can-do” type people they put together, or the way all the participants — the walkers, runners and volunteers — respected the distancing rules and other protocols,” said Lifewalk Committee Chair, Tom Omstead. “We made a great team.”
Of course, in addition to getting a great turnout and great weather, the event sponsors shone as bright as the sun did on that Sunday morning. “We are beyond grateful for the support of all our incredible sponsors!” said Erie Shores Health Foundation CEO, Christine Colautti. “We are blessed for all of the support this event received from our community! Our success is a true testament to the love Essex County has for our Hospice,” she added.
