Recent Day of Hope fundraiser for local cancer patients brings in record-breaking amount of $257,202
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Cancer doesn't stop during a pandemic and neither does the generosity of the Santa Maria Valley and surrounding area.
On Wednesday, Dignity Health officials announced the recently held 7th Annual Day of Hope fundraiser brought in a record-breaking amount of $257,202.
"Our community here in Santa Maria always steps up to the plate when it's time to deliver," said Mission Hope Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Dichmann. "We saw that happen again this year."
The total far exceeds the previous record that was set last year by more than $25,000.
The fundraiser, which annually benefits patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center, was modified significantly this year due to COVID-19.
Originally set for April 8, it was moved to Aug. 26 and featured an entirely new format.
The fundraiser typically features teams of volunteers selling $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers at dozens of locations, including street corners, parking lots, and other public gathering places.
Due to COVID-19, the Day of Hope transitioned to a virtual fundraising campaign.
However, despite the different format and change of date, this year's Day of Hope turned out even better than expected.
"This was an opportunity to have an excuse," said Dichmann. "With COVID-19, maybe we can't get all the teams organized, we can't get funding together, but instead the opposite happened. It's important because our patients needed this more than ever, so I'm incredibly proud of our community."
On Aug. 26, the event culminated with a special car cruise from the Santa Maria Fairpark to Mission Hope Cancer Center.
Dichmann pointed out that some of the unique changes this year's event featured could be included in future fundraisers.
"I think we have learned a lot this year," said Dichmann. "We can do a lot of these things virtually and that people are excited about having the opportunity to click a button on their iPads or computers, and say, I want to help and I can do that right now."
As for the car cruise, organizers are hinting it might become a permanent part of Day of Hope.
"I think we'll see that car parade more often in the future," said Dichmann. " I think it's always been a big part of Cruzin' for Life, which is one of our greatest supporters, and now I think we've made it a big part of Day of Hope as well. It's a great opportunity for people to show support, and for our patients to see that support for them, which is a great thing for them to see."
Also announced on Wednesday, the top fundraising teams. In total, more than 30 teams participated in the Day of Hope, representing several communities, including Santa Maria, Orcutt, Nipomo, Lompoc, Santa Ynez and others.
The first place team was team "Pretty Tough," which was led by Day of Hope Ambassador Taryn Timothy.
Pretty Tough raised $8,365, a record amount for one team.
Second place was Mission Hope Angels ($8,162), third place Team Talbott ($3,700), fourth place Dignity Health Home Health Hospice and Infusion ($3,309), fifth place Team Betty ($3,230), and sixth place The Dream Team ($3,075).
Nearly 800 donors contributed to the 2020 Day of Hope.
