Twelve Years of Hope: Annual ‘Day of Hope’ Event Rallies Support for Local Cancer Patients

Community fundraising event throughout Santa Maria and Five Cities area to be held on Wednesday, August 27

SANTA MARIA, CA, August 22, 2025 – Dignity Health, in partnership with the Santa Maria Times, is proud to present ‘Day of Hope’ on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. 

This marks the 12th year of the impactful community fundraising event dedicated to supporting local patients with cancer and their families receiving care at Mission Hope Cancer Center’s two locations in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.

On August 27, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., hundreds of dedicated Day of Hope volunteers will line the streets across Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, Nipomo, and the Five Cities Area, to collect $1.00 donations in exchange for a special edition, commemorative Santa Maria Times Day of Hope newspaper. 

Due to overwhelming growth and enthusiasm, this year’s Day of Hope introduces an exciting new format. The traditional community car parade has been reimagined and expanded into two Day of Hope Car Shows, taking place on Saturday, August 23, in both Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.

Community members are invited to support the Day of Hope event in a variety of ways including:

• Attend a Day of Hope Car Show: Join us for classic cars and community spirit on Saturday, August 23, in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.
• Support Community Events: A number of local businesses are hosting special events with partial proceeds benefiting Day of Hope, look for details on social media and the web.
• Buy a Limited Edition Newspaper: Purchase your copy from a Day of Hope team on Wednesday, August 27.
• Donate Online: Visit dignityhealthfoundation.org/day-of-hope-2025 to make a secure online donation and receive an exclusive electronic version of the Day of Hope Santa Maria Times newspaper on August 27.

“Day of Hope, a cherished tradition of compassion and generosity, embodies the spirit of community. What began humbly in Santa Maria has blossomed, now encompassing Orcutt, Guadalupe, Nipomo, and Arroyo Grande,” says Derek Baden, RN, Senior Director of Cancer Care Services at Mission Hope Cancer Center. “The unwavering enthusiasm and support year after year are a testament to this program's profound impact across the entire Central Coast. Our volunteers, donors, and sponsors are nothing short of inspiring.” 

Since its inception, Day of Hope has raised a remarkable cumulative total of $2,696,630, with a record-breaking $409,013 collected in 2024 alone. These funds directly impact the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors, providing crucial assistance during challenging times throughout the central coast.

“Day of Hope is one of the highlights of our year here at Mission Hope,” said Dr. Ben Wilkinson, radiation oncologist at Mission Hope Cancer Center. “The support that is raised goes directly towards the care and support of our community members affected by cancer.  Having a community that cares so much for the work our team does is incredibly encouraging.”

For inquiries or to learn more about how to get involved, please contact the Marian Foundation at (805) 739-3595 or the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation at (805) 994-5421 or visit dignityhealthfoundation.org/day-of-hope-2025.

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About Mission Hope Cancer Center Santa Maria

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Santa Maria is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. This award recognition is the highest designation awarded to community cancer centers for exceptional performance. As the first integrated oncology facility on the Central Coast, Mission Hope Cancer Center features advanced technology and expert health care professionals from the nation’s top medical training programs. This state-of-the-art facility unites Santa Maria oncology treatment, imaging, research, education and outreach services at one location.

About Mission Hope Cancer Center Arroyo Grande 

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Arroyo Grande provides advanced cancer care and infusion services for our community. To meet our community’s growing needs and desire to receive treatments and services close to home in the Five Cities area, we expanded our cancer care services into the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center adjacent to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. Cancer care services close to home offer comfort, convenience and the ability to engage the family in the treatment process in a warm and friendly environment.

About Dignity Health Central Coast

Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.