Rays of Hope Walk Celebrates 20 Years of Success
October 20, 2013– GREENFIELD SITE INFORMATION
In Greenfield, we are looking forward to our fifth annual walk and the 20t anniversary of Rays of Hope on Sunday, October 20, 2013. We will welcome back our returning sponsors, walkers, teams and survivors from the first four years, as well as many new friends and sponsors. We hope to see even more participants supporting breast cancer research and programs in western Massachusetts through our 2013 Rays of Hope 20th anniversary walk!
SCHEDULE FOR GREENFIELD WALK
- 10 am - noon -- Registration -- in front of NESEA building
- Exhibits and Pink Hope Lounge open at 10:00 am
- Entertainment (TBA) on Station Stage 10:30 - 11:30 am
- 11:30 am -- Survivors' Group photo -- Station Stage
- 11:45 am - Welcome and Speakers
- noon -- Walk begins
The Walk in Greenfield begins at Energy Park on Miles street. Tents, pink balloons, music, colorful flags and a festive, hopeful atmosphere welcome all participants. Local businesses and services offer information and giveaways in the Exhibitor Tent. BFMC Food Services will have wonderful treats available at a low cost, with all proceeds benefiting Rays of Hope. Shop for Rays of Hope merchandise including sweatshirts, fleece vests, scarves, and eco-friendly shopping bags. The Pink Hope Lounge welcomes all breast cancer survivors and a guest inside for special treats, and a photo shoot of all survivors will take place on the Station Stage prior to the walk. The survivors stroll back to cheers and fanfare before the official program begins at 11:45 a.m. The Walk steps off at 12 noon in a sea of pink shirts and smiling faces.
The Routes . . .
Participants can enjoy either a two-mile and a three-mile route. Both routes travel up Main Street before taking different directions. The three-mile route is a little more challenging and hilly; the two-mile route is flat. The routes wind through beautiful neighborhoods, and past Baystate Franklin Medical Center before heading back to Energy Park. Both routes offer beautiful autumn scenery in Greenfield. 
Water Stops
Local businesses sponsor water stops along both routes. Free bottled water is available for all participants. Many of the sponsors offer goodies, too! Restrooms are available at Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s 48 Sanderson Street building and handicapped accessible units are available at the Energy Park.
Parking Information
Free parking is available in the public lots behind Green Fields Market, on Chapman Street behind Wilson's Department Store parking lot (please do not park in Wilson's Parking Lot), behind the Franklin County Court House, and in the Freedom Credit Union parking lot. Signs will point the way to these parking lots. These lots are within easy walking distance of the Energy Park. There are no shuttle services available. Handicapped parking is available at Energy Park for those with official handicapped parking permits and/or license plates.
Pets are prohibited at the walk
While we know your family pet is probably quite friendly we ask that you leave your pet at home. Large crowds can be quite intimidating for even the most disciplined pet. Please consider your pet's safety and the safety of your fellow participants.
Survivors Photo 2012
......note the array of pink scarves from our Pink Scarf Project!!
Entertainment
All along the walk routes, participants will be entertained by the many local musicians -- singers, dancers, instrumentals, jugglers -- who volunteer their time and talents to Rays of Hope. We know you will enjoy them and may even pause to dance or sing along!
Some of the past Greenfield Entertainers
Our entertainers add such an element of celebration and joy to our day!