Thousands of newspapers sold to help support local cancer patients during annual Day of Hope fundraiser

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The 11th Annual Day of Hope fundraiser was held Wednesday in the Santa Maria Valley and surrounding communities to help support Mission Hope Cancer Center patients.

Starting at 7 a.m., dozens of teams were seen at numerous intersections, parking lots and other gathering places to sell special edition $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers.

"We are out here to support those who are suffering from cancer and to support Mission Hope Cancer Center," said Nancy Crawford of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria, while selling papers at the busy corner of Broadway and Betteravia Road. "We've been here since the beginning, for all 11 years, and we're proud to be here again this year to raise money for Mission Hope." 

All of the proceeds directly benefits patient services and programs at Mission Hope, which operates two centers, its flagship facility in Santa Maria, and in Arroyo Grande inside the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center.

"Every dollar counts, and I've said that so many times through my campaign," said Day of Hope Co-Ambassador Eileen Hongo. "Every dollar counts, $1, $2, $3. We're here to support mission Hope Cancer Center. We're here to help develop different programs and make sure that patients here are getting the resources that they need to be able to get through their treatment and to heal."

The festive event culminated with a car parade through downtown Santa Maria, beginning at the Santa Maria Fairpark and concluding at Mission Hope Cancer Center, where a spirited crowd welcomed more than 50 custom and classic cars and trucks.

"This is a day to celebrate everyone's cancer journey," said Dr. Ben Wilkinson, Mission Hope Radiation Oncologist. "We all know someone you know, whether it's a friend or loved one that shouldn't have had cancer at an early age, or it's been affected, and this is a way to celebrate those patients and families. We just have such a generous community that comes out and supports usm and so thank you Santa Maria!"

Dignity Health reported 11,000 newspapers were printed and sold for Day of Hope, but the official amount raised will not be revealed until sometime in September.

Despite the Day of Hope officially ending at noon on Wednesday, donations are still being accepted through Sept. 13.

Those who wish to contribute may choose which center they would like to direct their donations to, either Santa Maria or Arroyo Grande.

For more information about the Day of Hope, or to make a donation, click here.