Hospice of Hilo is inviting the community to come out for its 10th-annual Celebration of Life, a free community event, May 3 at the Wailoa State Park. ADVERTISING Hospice of Hilo is inviting the community to come out for its
Hospice of Hilo is inviting the community to come out for its 10th-annual Celebration of Life, a free community event, May 3 at the Wailoa State Park.
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.
Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.
“Every year, the community comes out for our Celebration of Life. It’s really a meaningful event and a beautiful way to remember loved ones that have passed, honor the life they lived and the lives they touched,” said An Umamoto, Hospice of Hilo development PR and education coordinator.
One of the highlights of the event is the Lights of Remembrance.
“It’s really very beautiful to see everyone’s individually hand crafted luminary floating down the river, lighting up the night as the sun goes down,” Umamoto said.
Since last year, Hospice of Hilo began sending the master luminary down the river first in honor of individuals who greatly impacted the organization.
This year, Hospice of Hilo will honor Boyson Brown and Aloha Faye Hudman.
Brown was a member of the well-known Brown ‘Ohana musical group.
“From the very beginning, Boyson Brown and his family have been strong supporters of the Celebration of Life and of Hospice of Hilo, coming out every year to provide us with wonderful live music,” said Celebration of Life Event Chair Allan Onishi.
“Hospice of Hilo was there for my family when my father and brother passed away. We just love sharing our passion for music, just like hospice was always there for us, we wanted to give back.” said Boyson Brown’s older brother and fellow band mate Bobo Brown.
“Not having Boyson with us anymore really feels like a piece of us is missing … but we’re so honored and grateful that Boyson is being remembered in this way.”
Hudman was a long-time Hospice of Hilo staff member.
“Aloha embodied the meaning of her name,” said fellow Hospice of Hilo Certified Nurses’ Assistant, Charlotte Ferreira. “She taught many of us CNAs everything we know about our work. Every day you could count on receiving a warm smile and hug from Aloha. I know she’ll be smiling down on us as the master boat goes down the river.”
Hudman’s daughter, Amy Hudman, is grateful her mother is being remembered in this way.
“It feels so good to know that others recognized how much love she put into her work.” she said. “She gave 100 percent every single second to her patients, and my siblings and I are really touched that Hospice of Hilo is honoring her.”
Luminaries are on sale now and will be available the day of the event.
Luminaries are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event.
Individuals and teams can get registration forms for the Walk to Remember at www.hospiceofhilo.org.
For more information about the event call An Umamoto at 969-1733 or email at anthuyn@hospiceofhilo.org.
