KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On a clear, cool Saturday in May, more than 50 hikers participated in Lake Family Resource Center's first Hike of HOPE.

The free community event was sponsored by LARCA Fire Relief, a local Rotary project, Adventist Health Clear Lake, North Coast Opportunities, the Sierra Club Lake Group, Robinson Rancheria Casino, Dennis Smith and Bonnie Cobbs.

Most participants hiked the full 6-mile round-trip to Wright's Peak on Mount Konocti, Lake County's iconic and treasured geographic landmark.

The hike is considered difficult due to the 1,600-foot elevation gain in 3 miles and some making the trek were first-time hikers, seniors and young children. The trails were monitored by staff from Lake Family Resource Center and the Kelseyville Fire Department.

"It was truly inspiring to see such a variety of people hiking and hearing their stories," said Lake Family Resource Center Executive Director Lisa Morrow, who also drove shuttle service for hikers at the event. "Some came from as far as Sacramento while others have lived in the community all their life and had never set foot on Mount Konocti."

Hikers offered inspiration and hope for fellow Lake County residents on a “Banner of HOPE” that will now travel with the Lake Family Resource Center California HOPE team to community events.

Some of the messages inscribed on the banner included:

– "Thank you Mt. Konocti for your beauty and healing."

– "The difference between a failure and a success is perseverance."

– "Always have hope!! The message is hope, the promise is freedom!! Lake County will always rise!! We Rock!"

– "Hope! We got this!"

Students from Kelseyville High were on hand to help with the event. "We're so grateful to our sponsors and all our volunteers," remarked Jessica Windrem, outreach worker for the Lake Family Resource Center California HOPE project and a key organizer of the event.

"The inspiration and hope from this event is just beginning," said Lake Family Resource Center Team Lead, JoAnn Saccato. "We can do this. We can come together in community and help create a stronger, more resilient Lake County."

Plans for ongoing Walk of HOPE events throughout the county are in the works and those interested can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive notification for upcoming walks.

Lake FRC California HOPE is a short term community based project helping Lake County residents recover from recent wildfires.

Outreach workers provide free and confidential services to individuals, families, groups and organizations impacted by recent fires, including information and linkage to resources, emotional support, education, and community networking opportunities.

Additionally, free workshops and educational presentations exploring the phases of disaster and common reactions to disasters are available to groups, schools, businesses and organizations. Services are provided by Lake FRC through a grant from Lake County Behavioral Health Services.

For more information on Lake FRC California HOPE and upcoming activities and events, visit www.lakefrc.org/calhope or Facebook, or call 707-349-5203.