The 11th annual Day of Hope is just one week away. Volunteers will return to locations across the Central Coast on Wednesday, August 21 to sell special editions of the Santa Maria Times to benefit Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.
The special edition features compelling stories and photos highlighting the people being served and the essential care provided at Mission Hope Cancer Center. The newspapers will be available on street corners throughout the region for $1 from 7 a.m. to noon.
Every dollar raised supports equipment and technology, patient support, and various programs and services at local cancer centers. Day of Hope has consistently exceeded its fundraising goals, raising a historic nearly $2.3 million since its inception in 2014.
This year’s fundraiser, hosted by Marian Regional Medical Center in partnership with the Santa Maria Times, also includes the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation, with donors able to choose which campus they would like to support.
Community members can support Day of Hope in a variety of ways, including:
– Newspaper sales team: On Day of Hope, purchase a newspaper from a Day of Hope team or sign up as a team. Curbside volunteers will also accept additional donations to Mission Hope Cancer Center.
– Participation in the annual car parade
The Day of Hope car parade will take place on August 21st starting at 10:30 a.m. Participants will meet at Fairpark and drive to the Mission Hope Cancer Center under the leadership of the Santa Maria Police Department.
As one of the largest fundraising events in the Santa Maria Valley, Day of Hope brings together over 700 community members to raise funds for local cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center.
The event has seen tremendous growth, with nearly 70 teams signed up so far this year – 50 in the Santa Maria area and 15 in the Five Cities area. The teams are comprised of corporate groups as well as friend and family groups, all coming together to make a difference.