Ten participants will join Registered Maine Guide Hazel Stark on July 31–August 2, 2026, to experience the splendor and adventure of Katahdin.

Participants fundraise at least $1650 for this bucket-list weekend that supports a healthy community.

The money raised during this fundraiser will support the Elaine Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to residents of Washington and Hancock County who are pursuing a post-secondary nursing education (either an associate degree or BS).

THE NEED

“Save one person, you’re a hero. Save hundreds, you’re a nurse.” – Unknown

Like the rest of the country, Downeast Maine faces a critical shortage of nurses, significantly impacting healthcare access for our neighbors. This shortage leads to limited medical treatment options, compromised patient safety, poorer health outcomes, and delayed care.

The US is projected to face a significant nursing shortage in 2026, with estimates indicating a shortfall of approximately 350,540 registered nurses (RNs). This shortage represents about 8% of the required workforce, driven by an aging population, high turnover rates (16.4%), and burnout.
The total supply of RNs in the US decreased by more than 100,000 from 2020 to 2021- the largest drop ever observed over the past four decades.
In 2023, the International Council of Nurses called for the worldwide shortage of nurses to be treated as a global health emergency.

Now more than ever, we need to support the nursing profession so that nurses will always be there for us.

THE BENEFITS

Nurses are the beating heart of our healthcare system. Since the passing of beloved Milbridge nurse Elaine Hill in 2009, Women for Healthy Rural Living has raised over $100,000 toward nursing education for local students.
The Elaine Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship helps increase the number of new nurses entering the workforce by reducing the financial barrier to completing a degree.
The scholarship targets local nursing students who are likely to return to our community upon graduation, increasing access to care.
A stable nursing workforce fosters the health and well-being of rural communities like ours.

DONATE

Participants raise at least $1,650 for this bucket-list weekend. Your donation does more than fund this extraordinary hike. You will build community in real, tangible ways. Join us. Donate now!

2026 Summit for a Cause: Katahdin

Connecting Passion and Purpose

Team Members