Cruising for a Cause: Car parade highlights modified Day of Hope fundraiser

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Cancer doesn't stop during a pandemic and neither did this year's Day of Hope.

As usual, the popular event filled Santa Maria streets with plenty of enthusiasm and supporters coming together to help support Mission Hope Cancer Center patients.

However, the annual fundraiser was held with a modified format due to COVID-19.

"Certainly a little different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but again same old thing, Santa Maria coming to our support," said Mission Hope Medical Director Dr. Robert Dichmann. "We've had to do a things a little bit differently, but people have still come through and contributed and donated in any way that they can."

Originally scheduled for April 8, it was moved to August 26 and was switched to a virtual format.

The pandemic forced organizers to cancel the main setup of the fundraiser, which features scores of volunteer teams selling special edition Santa Maria Times newspapers on street corners.

Instead, the majority of fundraising efforts were directed to online donations.

There was also another big change to the fundraiser that included a highly visible public component.

A plan was hatched to hold a car parade through Santa Maria.

Dubbed "Cruising for a Cause," the parade left the Santa Maria Fairpark at 11 a.m., and traveled down Broadway, where it turned east onto Main Street before it finished at Mission Hope.

"I'm super excited that everyone has come out, having fun, keeping their social distance, but still put on a good show," said Day of Hope ambassador Taryn Timothy. "I am so grateful that everybody has come out to participate to give all the healthcare workers and patients a really good show."

Dozens of supporters participated in the parade, including many people directly affected by the disease.

"Everybody on our team has been touched in some way by cancer so this is our way of giving back," said Kelli Woodard. "It just is such a blessing to be able to give back, and especially with it being so personal this year. There are so many families affected that everybody needs to get involved and this an amazing way to do it."

The Orcutt resident said her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer last year and is currently a Mission Hope patient.

"They're (Mission Hope staff) amazing," said Woodard. "They've made this whole journey much easier. They've been there every step of the way, so it's our way of helping them help families."

At the conclusion of the 2.7 mile parade, participants were given a hero's welcome by a spirited and boisterous group of Mission Hope doctors, nurses, staff members, as well several patients.

"I was really surprised to see just how many people were here and the cars decorated," said patient Kim Strom. "I surprised with the emotion it stirred up to feel that kind of support and to see the outpouring of people who care."

Strom said she moved to Santa Maria late last year specificallly to undergo treatment at Mission Hope.

"I don't know where I'd be without the support of the center and the community that supports the center," said Strom. "Just completely humbled and really grateful. It's really cool to see the community come together."

Special edition Santa Maria Times may not have been available to purchase throughout the community like in years past, but they were for sell at the cancer center during the seven hour fundraiser.

All day long, supporters stopped by the drive-through donation station and gave plenty of generous amounts big and small.

"Our community always finding a way to be supportive, which is the key," said Dichmann. "Whatever we ask of Santa Maria, they always seem to step forward. I think our community is unique that way because we don't see that throughout the country."

Day of Hope organizers had set a fundraising goal this year for $230,000.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, the Day of Hope website was reported $231,571 had been raised.

The amount includes donations from businesses and community members, as well as team collections.

The Day of Hope team fundraising officially closes on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, visit the Day of Hope 2020 website.