Hike for Hope returns, funds will support hospice patient care, grief support and more

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – Hope Hospice has opened registration for the 2021 Hike for Hope. The public can register now at TheHikeForHope.com. The Early Bird Registration Fee, valid through April 30, is $39 per hiker age 13 and up. The fee increases to $45 on May 1. Child hikers and 12 and under participate for free. However, they need to register. Registration fees include an event T-shirt.

The nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year went dark in 2020 (its 10th anniversary event). This happened because of COVID-19 concerns, shorting Hope over $100,000 in anticipated revenue. Proceeds from the annual event raise support for hospice patient care and community programs, including grief support services, dementia-care education, and family caregiver resources. Programs are available to the local public at no charge, and are made possible through donations, grants, and fundraising events.

The 2021 event will have a different format to encourage continued physical distancing and health safety. Instead of gathering as a group at Del Valle Regional Park as in years past, participants will hike in a location of their choosing with only those in their household or social bubble.

You can participate this time around in two ways. In either instance, the concept is to solicit support from one’s friends and family, asking that they donate to the Hike for Hope in the participant’s name.

1. Follow the regular style of a single-day excursion on Saturday, June 5.
2. Or, go the extra mile and accept the weeklong Champion Challenge. Set a mileage goal for the week of May 29–June 5. Chip away each day and log progress on your participant page. Graham-Hitch Mortuary has generously offered to match the money raised by our top fundraiser in the Champion Challenge, whether a team or an individual, up to $10,000!

Jamboree

Lastly, in lieu of the usual post-hike group barbecue, they have put together a fun closing party called the Jamboree on June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Jamboree will offer live music and engaging activities, all presented through Zoom for safety.

For the Jamboree, Hope Hospice partnered with Frankie, Johnny, & Luigi Too Italian restaurant in Dublin. Jamboree attendees who would like to participate in the group meal will order dinner to-go in advance for pick up on June 5, and then dine together at the online Jamboree. The restaurant owners have graciously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to Hope Hospice.