PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Hospice Foundation is proud to announce that the 2nd Annual Walk for Hospice, presented by Event Sponsor McCrum Family Holdings, LLC, raised over $60,000 in support of the Aroostook House of Comfort. Held in memory of Dr. David Jones, the event was a powerful and moving tribute to those impacted by hospice care. The Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success.
The Walk for Hospice not only aims to raise essential funds but also to increase community awareness and celebrate the lives of those impacted by hospice care. This year’s event saw tremendous support with 15 Trail Sponsors, 12 Community Sponsors, 22 Friend Sponsors and 10 In-Kind Sponsors, and boasted a remarkable turnout of 32 teams and 335 participants. The day offered families, friends, and colleagues a beautiful opportunity to walk, reflect, and honor their loved ones in a memorable and meaningful way.
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation is especially grateful to McCrum Family Holdings, LLC, their first Event Sponsor, for their generous $5,000 contribution. This year’s Walk was also a special tribute to Dr. David Jones, whose family provided a heartfelt Memorial Dedication Sponsorship. Participants wore bowtie stickers in his honor, a symbol Dr. Jones is fondly remembered for.
Jay McCrum, CEO of McCrum Family Holdings, LLC, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the Aroostook Hospice Foundation and its mission. Deb Jones spoke movingly of Dr. Jones’ lasting legacy, reflecting on his contributions to hospice care, the Aroostook House of Comfort, and his involvement in the Walk for Hospice. His absence is felt deeply by many. In addition, Jamie Guerrette shared a touching testimony about the profound impact the Aroostook House of Comfort had on her family during her father’s time in hospice care, highlighting the necessity of the facility in Aroostook County.
Participants took the opportunity to walk in memory of loved ones, many wearing personalized “I’m walking for…” bibs. During the event, raffle tickets were sold for an Ooni pizza oven and accessory bundle, generously donated by S.W. Collins Company.
The event concluded with awards for top fundraising efforts. Kim Field was recognized as the Top Individual Fundraiser, raising an impressive $480. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “This was my first year attending the Walk for Hospice. My mother-in-law passed away at the House of Comfort two years ago, so I felt this was a meaningful way to honor her memory. People were so generous in supporting my fundraising because they knew it was going to such a great facility.” The Northern Light Home Care & Hospice team, walking as Aroostook Hospice Holy Croc-a-Moly, earned the Top Team Fundraiser award, raising $3,047 in memory of their beloved colleague, Dr. David Jones. Lastly, Gail Phair-Kirk was the lucky winner of the Ooni pizza oven bundle!
“The Walk for Hospice is not only a crucial fundraiser but also a time for participants to gather — bravely and boldly — to remember those they’ve lost and honor the profound work of hospice care,” said Abbey Clair, executive director. “The event fostered an atmosphere of hope, gratitude, and community. It is a powerful testament to the immense impact the Aroostook House of Comfort has on our region.”
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation continues to share photos and updates from the event and encourages everyone to visit their Facebook, Instagram, and website at https://aroostookhouseofcomfort.org/walk/.
The Foundation extends sincere appreciation to all the sponsors, donors, participants, and volunteers who made this year’s Walk a success. They are excited to announce that the 3rd Annual Walk for Hospice will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 — and they hope to see you there!
The Aroostook House of Comfort, situated centrally in Aroostook County and recognized as the sole inpatient hospice facility north of Augusta, is owned by the Aroostook Hospice Foundation. Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, the longest serving Medicare-certified hospice agency in Aroostook County, oversees the hands-on hospice care and staffing. Together, we offer compassionate care, comfort, dignity, and support to individuals and their caregivers on their journey through hospice. For more information, please visit https://aroostookhouseofcomfort.org/.
