Hospice of Michigan to Host 5k 'Race and Remember' in Detroit on June 12, 2010

5K Race to Raise Funds for Hospice of Michigan's Open Access Program

DETROIT, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 12, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) will host its first-ever 5K run and 1- or 2-mile walk called Race and Remember. The event, with a course along the Detroit River, will raise funds for HOM's Open Access Program. Open Access is Hospice of Michigan's commitment to care for all who need and seek end-of-life care regardless of their ability to pay.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. at Rivard Plaza on Detroit's riverfront (Rivard St. and Atwater St., two blocks east of the Renaissance Center).  The race begins at 8 a.m. for runners. Walkers start after the runners. The course is along the riverfront with the finish at Rivard Plaza.

Registration is completed online at www.hom.org (Look for the Think Spring Detroit fundraising link), or by calling Hospice of Michigan at (313) 578-6269. Online registrants will have the opportunity to set up their own personal page, upload pictures and personal messages or stories and email friends and family members to make fundraising very easy.

Early registration for runners is $20 now through April 30. The fee will increase to $30 beginning May 1. In order to provide the best possible run, event organizers are limiting participation in the 5K run to 750 runners. Early registration is therefore recommended.

There is no registration fee for walkers but walkers are encouraged to secure sponsors and donations for the event. Any walker committed to turning in $50 or more will receive an event T-shirt.

Race and Remember teams consist of one individual serving as the captain and recruiting at least four additional people. Team captains will receive email updates, information about exciting contests for teams, and other incentives. Team captains also will have the opportunity to create a team page for ease of communication to their members.

"At Hospice of Michigan, we are proud to be headquartered in Detroit and excited to host this new fundraiser along the beautiful Detroit River," said Hospice of Michigan President and CEO Dottie Deremo. "Funds raised from Race and Remember will ensure our commitment to Open Access for our hometown and all of Southeast Michigan communities."

In addition to the run and walk, participants will enjoy entertainment along the route, refreshments and carousel rides at Rivard Plaza. For participants running or walking in honor or memory of a loved one, their names will be posted on banners at the event.  

Hospice of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides comprehensive comfort care to people living with a terminal illness, and support to their families. The organization, which cares for all who need and seek its care regardless of ability to pay, counts on community support to cover the cost of caring for patients who are uninsured or under-insured. For information about Hospice of Michigan's services in Metro-Detroit, call 888-247-5701 or visit the Web site www.hom.org.  

SOURCE Hospice of Michigan