Cars for a Cause: Mission Hope Cancer Center announces Day of Hope Car Shows in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande

The 12th annual Day of Hope cancer center fundraiser will kick off with two car shows

SANTA MARIA, CA, July 24, 2025 – Cancer touches entire communities, with four in 10 Americans receiving a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Mission Hope Cancer Center’s 12th annual Day of Hope fundraising event, organized by Dignity Health and the Santa Maria Times, is proud to announce the addition of two car shows which will kick off this year’s Day of Hope festivities. Taking place in both Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, the car shows’ proceeds will benefit Mission Hope Cancer Center’s Day of Hope event. 

The two charity car shows will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with the Santa Maria event taking place at Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1325 E Church St, and the Arroyo Grande event taking place at Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St. Inspired by the former Day of Hope Car Parade, the Day of Hope Car Shows offer a brand-new way for community members to rally in support of local patients with cancer. 

“Mission Hope Cancer Center is proud of the state-of-the-art cancer care our organization delivers with the latest in advancements and treatments provided at both our locations in both Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande,” states Sue Andersen, President and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. “Our commitment to local patients with cancer extends far beyond our clinical care, and this year, Mission Hope Cancer Center is excited to offer the inaugural car shows in both communities since it is not only a fun spin on the previous car parade, but the car shows also represent a community celebration in support of local patients battling and surviving cancer.”

The free, family-friendly celebrations will feature a stunning display of classic and custom cars, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages which vary by event. The Santa Maria car show will include a Touch-a-Truck area for children with a variety of unique vehicles such as Santa Maria police cruisers, an ambulance, tractor, ATVs, and more. At both events, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the leading-edge care provided at Mission Hope Cancer Center and speak with cancer center care providers.

A limited quantity of registrations are available for each car show on a first come, first reserved basis. Registration is required and fees start at $35. For event-specific details or to register for a car show, visit dignityhealthfoundation.org/day-of-hope-2025 to choose a location. All proceeds from the events will stay on the Central Coast, supporting Mission Hope’s life-saving programs and comprehensive cancer care services.

The Day of Hope Car Shows are kickoff events for the 12th annual Day of Hope taking place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. On August 27, hundreds of volunteers throughout the Central Coast will be collecting donations in exchange for a commemorative Day of Hope special edition Santa Maria Times newspaper. Community members can also fundraise for Day of Hope virtually by creating a personalized fundraising page and sharing it with your network. Learn more about the 12th annual Day of Hope at dignityhealthfoundation.org/day-of-hope-2025.

Event Details:

What: Day of Hope Car Shows

When: Saturday, August 23, 2025, run times vary by location

Where: Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1325 E. Church Street, Santa Maria, CA, and Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St, Arroyo Grande, CA

Cost: Free to the community to attend; $35 and up to register a car in the shows

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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.