Photographer: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News
Participants in the first annual Hospice of Homer 5K Fun Run leave the starting line on Saturday.
For a summer with few sunny days, Saturday turned out to be an exception. Participants of the first Hospice of Homer fun run weren't complaining especially Darlene Hildebrand, hospice executive director. "The weather turned out beautifully," said Hildebrand. So did the 5K non-timed event, with 59 participants between the ages of 7 and 75 enjoying a route that began at Hospice of Homer offices on East End Road, and continued to Bear Creek Winery. The event raised $1,500. "We were really, really pleased with the turnout," said Hildebrand. "People seemed to have a really good time and hung around for a long time." Small wonder with the winery creating a finish line that included the typical containers of water and Gatorade, but also platters of crackers, cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits and sweet treats. Also available were samples of a mead made by the winery in honor of the fun run. Bottles of the mead are available for sale. The run was held in memory of Val Kirsis, a 46-year-old Homer runner who died in 2010, shortly after he qualified for the Boston Marathon. His family wife Lise, daughters Katie and Megan and son Joren were among the runners. Debbie Oudiz, formerly of California, gave the event high praise. "It was brilliant to do a destination run, especially with the incredible destination of the Bear Creek Winery," said Oudiz. "It was much more than I expected. It was heartwarming ... to be recognized as a hospice supporter. I felt honored to be involved and will do it again next year." At 7 p.m. Sept. 12, Hospice of Homer will benefit from a production of "A Comedy Cocktail Party," produced by Sally Oberstein. The musical comedy spoofs old TV favorites, placing them in a Homer setting. Performances during the summer are dedicated to supporting eight Homer nonprofits. The performance is at Alice's Champagne Palace. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at the door; however, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 235-6909. Also coming up for Hospice of Homer: • "End of life "volunteer training, Homer Senior Center, Nov. 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14,16 and 23; • Fifth annual Hospice of Homer Preparing for the Holidays fundraiser, tickets are limited, Alice's Champagne Palace, 6:30 p.m., Nov. 10. For more information, call 235-6899 or visit www.hospiceofhomer.org. Hospice of Homer; upcoming events • "End of life" volunteer training, Homer Senior Center, Nov. 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14,16 and 23; • Fifth annual Hospice of Homer Preparing for the Holidays fundraiser, tickets are limited, Alice's Champagne Palace, 6:30 p.m., Nov. 10. For more information, call 235-6899 or visit www.hospiceofhomer.org.
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.