Cancer fundraiser is August 12 at Legion Park

Sidney will host it’s annual Night of Hope cancer walk in Legion Park on Friday August 12. This inspired walk brings the community together to help raise funds for local cancer patients.

Organized by the Night of Hope Foundation the cancer walk began in 2002. Foundation President Brenda Noel said the purpose is to benefit Sidney and it’s closely surrounding areas. Funds generated through the Night of Hope are used to support local residents battling cancer.

“We used to participate in the relay for life, where funds go all over the nation, Noel said. “After the Dorwart Cancer Center was built in 2002 we organized the Night of Hope to keep the funds local. Ninety percent of the funds raised stay for local cancer patients.”

Night of Hope is a volunteer-driven organization.

Tax-deductible contributions made to the Foundation are put to use through a variety of programs and services. Funding is used, in part, to provide vouchers for fuel, food and lodging if travel is required for treatment.

Noel said the foundation contributes to an annual scholarship through the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation for students entering the field of medicine. The foundation also makes annual donations to either the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, or the Team Jack Foundation for continuing cancer research, which they hope will lead to a cure.

Last year, The Night of Hope Foundation raised more than $46,000 making it a record-breaking year for the organization.

Cancer survivors will kick off the event with a survivors walk. Noel said cancer survivors will make a lap around the Sidney pond and gather on the bridge for a balloon release.

A free will donation bar-b-que will directly follow the survivors walk.

“The Sidney Dance Team will preform, there will be face-painting, henna tattoos and air brush tattoos, as well as some home-based items for sale,” Noel said. “a portion of the proceeds all going to the Night of Hope.”

Food ranging from hotdogs and cotton candy to ice cream will be available to purchase from Fox Theatre and other retailers.

Noel said a big part of the event is the Chair-ity auction, in which people donate chairs that are made into gift baskets.

“We are still looking for donations of chairs for this auction,” Noel said.

Raffling off a Dr. Suess quilt and a Nebraska football helmet signed by former coach Tom Osbourne, the event will have something for everyone.

Luminaries and auction items can still be purchased and donated. This year’s Night of Hope Walk for Cancer will be held on August 12 at 5:30 p.m. in Legion Park, with the Survivor Lap kicking off at 6:00pm. For more information about the walk, contact Brenda Noel at 308-249-1081.

To receive funds from this event, cancer patients or family members can pick up an application at the Dorwart Cancer Center located at 830 Pine Street in Sidney. All information is kept confidential and funds are distributed by the Night of Hope social worker.