(August 24, 2011) Sellersville, PA - The Grand View Hospital Auxiliary's first-time Merry-Go-Run 5-K held on Sunday in Perkasie's Menlo Park turned out to be a success with 140 racers of all ages and abilities crossing the 5-K finish line. Another 70 racers and walkers participated in the family fun walk/run, while more than 60 volunteers joined Auxiliary members on the day of the event. They helped set up the course, register participants, direct racers along the route, serve refreshments, and assisted in other areas. More than $7,000 was raised to benefit Grand View Hospital Hospice, dedicated to providing compassionate hospice care in Bucks and Montgomery Counties for 30 years.

"Just minutes before the 5-K began, a surprise rain shower chased everyone under the park pavilions but it did not dampen the spirit of the day," said Auxiliary president Darlene Leidy. "We are grateful to have such a supportive community of businesses, organizations, families, and individuals willing to get involved for a worthy cause like hospice." During the opening ceremony, Grand View Hospital Hospice department manager Carol Halcovage said, "At some time in our lives each and every one of us will experience the loss of someone we love. Generous support of people like you helps our not-for-profit organization to provide the comfort and care of Grand View Hospice to someone in need."

“It was so exciting to see a crowd cheering for every person nearing the finish line -- from the fastest runners to the very last walkers,” Leidy said. The first place winner of the 5-K was Pennridge High School’s 18-year-old Kyle Peters with a time of 19:28. Joseph Murray finished second at 19:37, followed by Dean Dimmig with a time of 20:00, and Dan Linde-Zwirble at 21:18. The top female finisher Suzanne La Burt came in fifth place with a time of 21:20.

“This was such a fun event. We hope it is the first of many Merry-Go-Runs to come,” Leidy said. She was inspired to hold this type of fundraising event by her daughter, Teresa Myers, who is an avid runner. “She has run many 5-Ks and designed an interesting race course appealing to people of all abilities,” Leidy said. The course followed a scenic route through Lenape and Menlo Park, home of the Perkasie Carousel. Top-level sponsors included Grand View Radiology Associates; Alderfer/Leidy; Bergey’s, Inc.; Hatfield Quality Meats; Post & Schell, PC; and N.F. Landis & Sons. Another 30 organizations supported the event with sponsorships, donations, and other support, including several entries in the race and walk.

The Auxiliary supports Grand View's efforts throughout the community by raising funds to ensure that the hospital is able to continue its mission of making quality health care available to area residents. Auxiliary members operate the Corner Cupboard Gift Shop at the Hospital as well as The Recovery Room Thrift Shop near the Outpatient Center at Sellersville. The Auxiliary also holds a variety of fundraising events throughout the year such as the Festival of Lights, geranium sales, the annual Auxiliary Golf Tournament, raffles; and many other events. Fundraising efforts like these have enabled the Auxiliary to present the hospital with gifts totaling more than $3.3 million since 1990. The Auxiliary has supported the mission of Grand View since the hospital's founding in 1913. For more information on the Auxiliary and how to participate, call 215-453-4381 or visit www.gvh.org.

About Grand View Hospice
Grand View Hospice has provided hospice care to the terminally ill and their caregivers in the community since 1981. Personalized hospice care is available in the setting most comfortable to individuals and their caregivers, whether in-home or in a personal care, assisted living, or nursing home environment. Grand View Hospice staff strives to maximize comfort and promote dignity and quality of life and considers the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of everyone involved. For more information about Grand View Hospital Hospice, phone 215-453-4210 or visit www.gvh.org.

About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care. Visit www.gvh.org for more information about the hospital, its programs, and services.