Hearts in Flight Kite & Garden Fest

Fly a kite and help a hospice patient at the "Hearts in Flight Kite and Garden Fest" on June 30.

When we experience the death of loved ones, we strive try to keep their memories alive. Symbolic rituals provide an effective spiritual outlet, allowing us to feel close by celebrating their lives in a positive way. That’s the idea behind the Hearts in Flight Kite and Garden Fest on Sunday, June 30, 1 to 4 p.m., which will send an arc of memorial kites skyward in a colorful mass tribute over the Lake Erie skyline. The event will take place on the waterfront property adjacent to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 18485 Lake Shore Boulevard, Cleveland. 

The family kite-flying event will be doubly meaningful to participants since all funds raised will benefit patients and families cared for by Hospice of the Western Reserve, a nonprofit agency serving seriously ill people in Northern Ohio regardless of their ability to pay. Parking will be available next door at Villa Angela–St. Joseph High School.

Here’s how it works:

• Donors may choose from adding their loved one’s name to the tail of a Tribute Kite for $25 or sponsoring an individual kite for $100. 
• Each gift of $25 will be acknowledged by writing a loved one’s name on the tail of a Tribute Kite.
• Dozens of Tribute Kites will be linked together and flown together in an arc−a dramatic symbol of hope and transformation.
•  Individual kites may be sponsored for $100 with the option of onsite flying and personalization. Hospice of the Western Reserve will supply all of the materials needed to create a kite that says, “I remember,” “I love you,” or “Thank you.”
• For those who cannot attend but still wish to honor a loved one, Tribute Kites may also be sponsored online at www.hospicewr.org/kite. 
• For all levels of donations, donor names will be written on mini kites that will be displayed at the non-profit agency’s two hospice houses to show love and support to resident patients and families. 

“We want this to be a family-friendly community event. We’ve planned a variety of activities to make it a memorable day for everyone,” said Sunny Masters, Chief Development Officer. Activities will include kite demonstrations from the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites, sidewalk chalk arts and crafts, animal exhibits from the Lake Erie Nature Science Center, Super Hero guest appearances courtesy of the non-profit group Superheroes to Kids in Ohio, and much more.

“We encourage families to grab their picnic baskets, bring a blanket and enjoy a beautiful day on the waterfront,” Masters added. “Our scenic Vista Walk along Lake Erie and the gorgeous memorial gardens throughout the grounds will also be available for self-guided tours, and will be one of the featured stops on the Euclid Pond and Garden Tour taking place the same day as our event. The gardens and the spectacular view of the lake may be among Cleveland’s best-kept secrets.”  

In case of inclement weather, the Hearts in Flight Kite & Garden Fest rain date is Sunday, July 14. To sponsor a Tribute Kite online, visit www.hospicewr.org/kite. For more information or to place a phone order, call 216.502.4451.

About Hospice of the Western Reserve

Celebrating 35 years of service in the Northern Ohio region, Hospice of the Western Reserve is a nationally ranked non-profit agency providing comfort and emotional support to patients and their families. The agency provides palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services throughout the region, and cares for people in a variety of settings, including private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake and David Simpson Hospice House on Cleveland’s east side. For more information, visit www.hospicewr.org, or call 800.707.8922.