TOWNSHEND — Grace Cottage Hospital hosts annual events to promote “health, wellness, and fellowship” while also raising money for the nonprofit hospital and its Patient Care Fund.
“While delivering high-quality health care is our first priority, promoting wellness and bringing together our community with these joyful events is part of who we are,” Andrea Seaton of Grace Cottage Foundation said in a news release. “And the more, the merrier!”
Organizers encourage residents and visitors to the region to participate in any or all of the following events. Registration is now open at www.gracecottage.org/events.
• Saturday, May 7, is the “Spring into Health” 5K, with an 8:30 a.m. start at the Townshend Common. All runners will be timed, but participants are welcome to run, walk, or stroll in this family-friendly fundraiser. Registration is $20, free for kids 12 and under. There is also a free “Fun Run” for ages 8 and under at 9:15 a.m. Free performance T-shirts for first 100 registrants. Raffle prizes and awards follow the race.
• Saturday, June 11, is the Tee It Up for Health Golf Tournament. Enjoy an afternoon of golf at the exclusive Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington. Lunch is at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. A player fee of $150 includes lunch, greens fees, golf cart, logowear, contests, and an awards dinner served in the clubhouse following the tournament.
• Saturday, July 9, features the Tour de Grace Bicycle Rally. Start anytime between 8-10 a.m. A scenic, 17.7 mile mostly-downhill ride, over the river and through the woods from the Stratton Mountain Base Lodge to Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Family-friendly. Average ride down is about 2 hours. Bus transportation for riders and bikes back to Stratton is provided. Helmets are required, and dirt-road tires are strongly recommended. $25 in advance (through July 5); $30 on-site. Performance T-shirts for first 100 registrants.
• The highlight of spring and summer season for Grace Cottage comes on Saturday, Aug. 6, with the 66th annual Hospital Fair Day. There will be an all-day auction, bargain booths, Bingo, a Baby Parade for those born at Grace Cottage, carriage and pony rides, face painting, food, games, entertainment, chicken-barbecue dinner, live music, and more.