The Borger HOPE Gala exceeded its fundraising goal of $106,000 by raising over $123,000 for the American Cancer Society through a sell-out crowd, $12,000 from a live auction, and $17,500 from a silent auction. This was one of the most successful years for the event. The increased focus on cancer awareness through orange ribbons, statistics about cancer in the local county, and 118 lights honoring cancer patients helped support those affected by cancer.

1. PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Heather Feimster, HOPE Publicity Chairman
Email: heather.feimster@gmail.com Mobile: 815-985-3574
Borger HOPE Gala Raises over $123,000 for Cancer Patients
BORGER (Sept. 26, 2016) – The Borger HOPE Gala exceeded it’s own expectations this
year by raising over $123,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Combined with a
sell-out crowd, $12,000 raised from the LIVE Auction and $17,500 raised in the Silent
Auction, and it was arguably one of the most successful years in the event’s history.
“Our first reaction was shock and speechlessness. Our goal for the year was $106,000, so
we are incredibly proud of what we were able to raise and thrilled at how we exceeded
that goal,” responded Blair Neill, Chairman of HOPE 2016.
In addition to the amounts raised, the committees reduced expenses this year to the
lowest ratio of expenses to revenue in the history of HOPE. “The committee chairmen
and volunteers should be so proud of what they were able to accomplish in a tough
economy with a smaller budget. This truly shows the Borger spirit of philanthropy,”
commented Amber Cox, representative for ACS.
One of the most important differences this year was the increased focus on the cause –
cancer awareness. Leanne Mitchell, co-owner of the Crutch Ranch, gave the most
valued complement of the night saying, “This event is about the cause again – it’s about
cancer again.”
Guests at the ranch wore orange ribbons all night in honor of Emily Purcell, the
Honorary Chairman. Orange is the color of Leukemia Awareness, the disease that
Emily fought with fearlessness. A silent auction basket of “Emily’s Favorite Things”
sold for nearly $500. Facts and figures about cancer in Hutchinson County were
displayed in one of the main tents, and 118 lights shone in honor of the patients
diagnosed with cancer in Hutchinson County in 2014. These efforts helped create an
atmosphere that remembered the most important reason for the event –to support those
patients and families.
“We are humbled at the generosity of our guests. They made the choice to come out and
support these efforts when they could have just written a check. That means a lot to
everyone that made this evening possible, and it will mean even more to the families
that benefit from the ACS programs in our area,” Neill said.
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2. About The Borger HOPE Gala:
The first Borger HOPE Gala was held in 1988 and since
that time HOPE has donated more than $2.8 million to the
American Cancer Society. HOPE is the 12th largest gala in
Texas and is 14th largest in the High Plains Division
(which includes all galas in TX, OK, MO, KS, NE, HI &
Guam) in terms of total dollars donated to ACS. That
includes 49 different gala events in the Division. For most
of its history, HOPE has led the nation in per capita dollars
raised and donated to ACS.
The 2016 HOPE Gala will be held on Sept. 24 at the Crutch Ranch and will include a
night of good food, live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, and more. The
annual HOPE Gala brings together local volunteers, businesses, and community
members dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients in Hutchinson County.
Proceeds from the event support patient services for cancer patients in Hutchinson
County, as well as ACS’s cancer research efforts.
For more information, visit www.borgerhopegala.org.
About the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more
than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every
birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.
As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts
have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a
50 percent drop in smoking rates.
Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and
countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're finding
cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring
people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality
health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more.
For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-
800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/fight.