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Wilkins Family Walks
to Honor Their Parents!
Two years ago the Wilkins family came together as “Ceil’s Team” to honor their mother, Cecilia, and show their gratitude for the care she received as a patient of Hospice of the North Shore. According to daughter Cecilia, “The Walk was a great way for my nine siblings and their children, along with my father, to be together for the one-year anniversary of my mother’s passing. My dad was forever thankful that Mom was home and comfortable, and he believed everyone should be able to have these services.” The family enjoyed the outing immensely, especially since their dad was surrounded by his children and grandchildren on that crisp autumn morning.
“We had no way of knowing it would be the last time our family would all be together,” says son Michael. Two days after the 2007 Walk, their father Richard suffered a heart attack from which he later died.
Rallying together in 2008 as the “Wilkins Clan,” they walked to remember two incredibly special parents – who selflessly loved and cared for many children, including dozens of foster children. “Our parents gave us a strong family foundation and instilled in us the values of caring and giving back, which we are passing on to our children,” said Cecilia.
The brothers and sisters agreed that participating in the Walk for Hospice of the North Shore helped bring awareness to the mission of the non-profit organization and to the compassionate, expert care it provides. They concur: “We walk to help Hospice of the North Shore so that no person is alone or without dignity in those times when hospice services are needed.”
For this large, close-knit family, the annual event has now become a tradition. As Michael added, “Unknowingly Hospice of the North Shore’s Walk brought our family together just in time to spend one last day (with our father) as a family, complete and happy. The memories we took away from that day will live in our minds forever and we plan to honor our parents each year at the Walk. We are now and will be forever thankful to Hospice of the North Shore!”
Read more in the 2008 story in the Georgetown Record
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Local Business Steps Up
Henry’s Market is Going the Extra Mile!
For those who have grown up on the North Shore, a trip to Henry’s Market in North Beverly is like coming home. The comforts of their famous chicken pies, jelly rolls and friendly customer service have made Henry’s a staple since its doors opened in 1941. Until last year, customers might be greeted by Henry himself, handing out cookies to children. Henry Swanson, founder of Henry’s, left a legacy of giving back to the community, and it’s no surprise that Henry’s trusted friend, employee since 1984, and owner since 2005, John Keohane, would continue the good will.
Last year, we were thrilled when John agreed to make a two-year commitment to co-chair the Walk for Hospice of the North Shore, but had no idea of the extent of his commitment. First, John came up with a plan to help distribute Walk materials and a display to promote the Walk. He even had reusable grocery bags made with the Henry’s and Walk for Hospice of the North Shore logos.
"I can’t tell you how many best friends I had the day John dropped off the bags – everyone wanted one!” said Susan Rogers, Special Events Manager for Hospice of the North Shore. “The bags are so high quality, extremely durable and stylish. Hospice of the North Shore had just moved its administrative office to a ‘green’ building so distributing these reusable bags is right in line with our business model.”
John’s efforts for the Walk continued with the help of his employees by forming Henry’s Helpers (last year’s top fundraising team!) and by coordinating the food and drinks for the hospitality area. If that wasn’t enough, John and his wife, Janet, delivered 80 dozen bagels hot from the oven on Walk morning.
“For years my involvement with a number of community service organizations has been a fulfilling way for me to give back to the community. Hospice of the North Shore is an organization that has been very dear to my heart because of the compassionate service that they have provided for my family, friends and the community,” said John.