More than $17,000 was raised at the Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County 2019 Hike for Hospice on April 28. Proceeds from the 31st annual event will benefit patient and family services for the not-for-profit, community-based hospice.

Patti Settlemyre, executive director of Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, welcomed the 330 walkers, who had gathered to walk in memory or in honor of a loved one. “A big thanks to each and every one of you for coming out this afternoon to our 31st annual hike,” Settlemyre said. “It’s because of people like you that Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County has been able to provide exceptional care for more than 30 years.”   

Mary Murphy, president of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton and chief nursing and care officer with Ohio’s Hospice, also addressed the walkers. “Many of you are here today to celebrate and remember the life of a special loved one. In many ways, our loved ones are always with us,” Murphy said. “They continue to exist through the things they did in their lives – the children they raised, the flowers they planted, the friends they made, the memories they gave. Your loved one continues to live in your memories.” 

Joe Black, a board member of Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, also spoke. He recognized the event’s corporate sponsors — BK Exteriors Roofing Siding, Court House Manor & St. Catherine’s Manor of Washington Court House, Fayette County Memorial Hospital, Fayette Home Health Care Supply, GLPETTIT LLC, Merchants National Bank, Merrill Lynch, The Print Shop, Quali-Tee Design Sportswear, UBS, Vermeer® Heartland and Walmart Distribution.

Black also announced the division winners, who competed in different categories. The team with the most youth walkers was Mini’s Clan. Mini’s Clan also won the division for the team with the most adult walkers. John Helton raised the most money as an individual. Merchants National Bank raised the most money as a team. Pettit’s was recognized as the business that sold the most feet (paper feet with someone’s name listed on them). 

Then, Black introduced Chaplain Jeff Davis, who led the group in prayer. Kennedy Grubb sang the national anthem, and bagpiper Chris Paisley led the walkers as they began the 3-mile hike. The hike began and ended at Merchant’s National Bank in Washington Court House.

The event also featured a Memory Walk display as part of the route, which included signs purchased in memory or honor of a loved one. Memory Walk signs were removed and kept as a keepsake by family members following the event. 

After the hike, walkers enjoyed a slice of pizza donated by Amoré Pizzeria, Domino’s Pizza, Donatos Pizza, Giovanni’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Streetside 62 Bistro, Super Sport Pizza & Wings and Village Pump and Pizza. Anytime Fitness donated water for the walkers.