The three-mile walk along the Allegany River Trail benefited the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation and proceeds will be used to provide hospice services for patients in Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee and Wyoming counties. The event, formerly known as the Hike for Hospice, was co-sponsored by St. Bonaventure University and Mix 101.5, which broadcast live from the walk.

A total of 113 walkers were registered, according to HomeCare & Hospice Development Coordinator Jacqueline Czwojdak. 

“We are simply overwhelmed by the response and amount that was raised. It is wonderful to see a community come together for such a great cause. Everyone that is here today has been touched by Hospice or realizes how important Hospice is and what a difference it makes in the lives of patients and their families facing terminal illness,” said Czwojdak.

Names of those honored appeared on flowers placed on stakes at the starting line and along the trail. As walkers traveled the trail, they could see names of the people for whom they were walking.

The top individual pledge-earner was Patti Bokman of Allegany with $807, Debbie Glass of Whitesville with $800 and Linda Bess of Olean with $530. The winners chose from among three prizes: a trip for two to Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two season tickets to St. Bonaventure University basketball and a three-month family membership to the Olean YMCA.

Walkers who raised $50 in pledges were entered into a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses.

Walk sponsors included Cutco, A&J’s Pizza, Indeck, Olean Medical Group, McHone Industries, ComTon Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Fox Financial, Rinker Oil, Community Bank and Dresser-Rand.

“We sincerely appreciate all of the sponsors, donors and volunteers who gave us their time or resources this year. We’d like to say a special thanks to Scott Kruse this year for his dedication and putting together a team of 55 walkers, the biggest team in the Walk’s history” said Czwojdak.