ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOPE
Beacon of Hope to host 31st Annual Walk on April 28
LEOMINSTER >> Beacon of Hope is excited to invite the community to walk alongside them at the 31st Annual Walk for Hope on Sunday, April 28.
The event will take place, rain, or shine, at beautiful Barrett Park, located at 40 Barrett Parkway. Registration will be held between 8 and 8:30 a.m., followed by the walk promptly at 9 a.m.
Participants are welcome to enjoy coffee and pastry before the Walk for Hope begins.
The first 100 people to register will receive a free t- shirt and goodie bag. Pre-registration is available at www.beaconofhopema.org.
“There is no cost to participate, however people can collect pledges from their friends and family or simply donate,” said Vicki Briggs, executive director, Beacon of Hope. “Proceeds support our programming for individuals who experience life with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Each year Beacon of Hope walks in memory of someone in the community who has recently passed and who has shown great commitment and service to the organization.
“This year is dedicated to the pioneers of Beacon of Hope,” Briggs said. “Sheila and Norman Fredette, Frances Koliss, and Yvette Padula will be honored this year.”
Sheila and Norman Fredette, former professors at Fitchburg State University, were part of the initial group of caregivers that met early in the 1980s in search of services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were coming out of the school system.
“At the time, their son David was turning 22 and would not be able to access school support any longer,” Briggs explained. “The Fredette’s worked diligently with the group’s leader and foundress of Beacon of Hope, Sister Loretta Cicarelli to secure community and financial support to get Beacon of Hope up and running.”
Their son, David, is still a member of Beacon of Hope and was honored at last year’s fall gala for being one of the organization’s original members.
Frances Koliss was the sister of Sister Loretta Cicarelli and
president of the board of directors in 2000.
She used her business acumen to guide Beacon of Hope through a merger with a larger organization.
“After the merger dissolved in 2005, Frances stayed connected to ensure Beacon of Hope’s transition back to an independent entity went smoothly,” Briggs said. “Frances’s daughter and Paramount Realty Group owner, Kris Koliss, continues the family legacy and joined Beacon of Hope’s board of directors in March.”
Yvette Padula, another pioneer and advocate for people with i/d disabilities, cared for her son, Tom, at home until her passing last year at the age of 100.
“She was dedicated to her family and community and supported Tom through his journey of becoming an Eagle Scout,” Briggs explained. “Yvette became a dedicated supporter of Beacon of Hope when Tom became a member in the mid-90’s. She was a faithful volunteer at every Walk for Hope, handing out t- shirts and checking in participants.”
Beacon of Hope currently supports 55 individuals — ages 18 years and older — in its evening respite program which meets in St. Anna’s Church Hall on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5 until 7 p.m.
A nutritious meal is served followed by social activities such as arts and crafts, dancing, games, etc.
“Beacon of Hope is essential to the community as it supports a group of people who are often overlooked or underserved,’ said Briggs. “The evening respite program gives participants an opportunity to meet people, make friends, enhance their social skills, and increase their self- confidence. The program also offers caregivers several hours of much needed relief during the week.”
The Walk for Hope promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire family and for those of all abilities. Participants can enjoy a scenic and accessible walk around the pond at Barrett Park or venture along one of the hiking trails.
Beacon of Hope would like to thank its t- shirts sponsors for their generosity: Avidia Bank, Leominster Credit Union, Rollstone Bank, Richardson Funeral Home, Hannaford, Computers Down Under, HM Testing, Economic Enviro Techs, M.P. Crowley, Pools & Cues & Spas, Too, Rick Sagendorph Builder, Bernie Roy Construction, WDC Construction, Worcester Truck Co., DJ’S Auto Repair, 3 Sons Healing, Vietnam Veterans of America, Webster First Federal Credit Union, Anderson, Bagley & Mayo Insurance, Paramount Realty Group, The St. Charles Hotel & Bar, Direnzo Towing, Nature’s Way Landscaping, Wellness With Toni, McCarthy Law, Champion Real Estate, and Realtors Linda Tolman, Lora Savage, Mary Ann & Bob Shaw.
“The Walk for Hope not only aims to raise funds to enhance the quality of life for those in our community, it also aims to raise awareness,” said Briggs. “By coming together as a community, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
To register for the walk, in advance, or for more information, you are welcome to visit beaconofhopema.org or call 978-840-2727.