Everyone is invited to Hospice of Hilo’s 8th annual Celebration of Life Memory Walk and Lights of Remembrance fundraiser from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the large pavilion at Wailoa State Park. Everyone is invited to Hospice of Hilo’s
Everyone is invited to Hospice of Hilo’s 8th annual Celebration of Life Memory Walk and Lights of Remembrance fundraiser from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the large pavilion at Wailoa State Park.
At 3 p.m., activities and entertainment will begin, followed by the 4 p.m. A Walk to Remember, lots of good stuff to eat, then the 7 p.m. Lights of Remembrance Luminary Launch.
Walk in memory of a loved one and raise funds for the Hospice of Hilo. Take a 2.25-mile stroll through Wailoa State Park and the surrounding area. Registration forms will be accepted from 3 p.m on the event day.
Following the walk, enjoy live music by the Brown Ohana, Body and Soul and Vizion 20/20. Then at sunset stay for Lights of Remembrance, a traditional lantern floating ceremony along the shores of the Wailoa River while the Puna Men’s Chorus sings.
During this Toro-Nagashi, or “lantern offerings on the water,” illuminated lanterns are individually set afloat and are said to ferry spirits “from the shore of delusion to the shore of salvation.”
“These lanterns carry our heartfelt prayers — usually written messages on the lanterns — for our loved ones and ancestors,” said event Chairman Allan Onishi. “It is through this, we hope that the sincere prayers for healing, peace and harmony exist. We invite everyone to participate in this time-honored and enriching event.”
Luminaries will be available for $25 at the event, and supplies to design your lanterns are provided.
“This is a free community event filled with food, fun and — most importantly— friends,” said Onishi.
For more information, please call 969-1733, email hospice@hospiceofhilo.org, or visit Hospice of Hilo at 1011 Waianuenue Ave.
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“This event is designed to celebrate life and share in remembrance of loved ones. Every day, Hospice of Hilo celebrates life. Come celebrate life with us,” said Onishi.
Hospice provides emotional and medical support to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness and injury, through holistic care provided by nurses, social workers, counselors and trained volunteers. Hospice care focuses on quality of life and honors the dignity of each individual, offering care and comfort when cure is no longer possible.
Proceeds from the 2012 Celebration of Life will benefit Hospice of Hilo, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which has been serving East Hawaii from Laupahoehoe to South Point since 1983.
