Kerry Grimsley Roberts, a native of Florence, and Jeremy Reasoner perform “Tonight,” a medley from the musical West Side Story during the 2019 McLeod Evening of Hope to benefit the HOPE Fund.  

The McLeod Evening of Hope to benefit the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund was held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Florence Little Theatre. The McLeod Health Foundation’s 20th Annual Cancer Benefit was underwritten by Wells Fargo.

Gifts made in support of the HOPE Fund benefit oncology patient support services and provide oncology staff with improved access for immediate assistance needs for their patients. Programs supported through this fund provide transportation and medication needs for patients with few resources and educational manuals and supplies.

During this year’s event, the stories of courageous survivors who acknowledge that each day is a gift were shared. These stories are the foundation for an event that has become both energizing and inspirational for the many dedicated supporters who attend each year. These Portraits of Hope included Duane Adams, Jerald Altman, Grace DuBose, Fred Graham, Dr. Bill Hazelwood, Roddy Huntley, Kimberly Hyman, Danny King, Harry Moran, Burnadene Kelley-Newman, Zenobia Perkins, Lisa Sims, Don Simmons, Tommy Stokes and Melissa Tyner.

A talented group of performers also provided entertainment to uplift the spirits and enhance the message of hope. Performers for the evening included Professional Dancers Rhodes and Elise Elliott; Vocalists Kerri Grimsley Roberts and Jeremy Reasoner; dance performances by Cancer Survivor Burnadene Kelley-Newman with her daughters Alexis Kelley McDonald, Rebecca Kelley Holbrooks, and Georgie Kelley as well as KFA Fierce Company; Vocalists Garrett Graham and Michael Lindley; and the Florence Little Theatre Cast of “Mamma Mia” featuring Tippi Harwell, Kevin Miller and Rebecca Thompson.

In addition, a silent auction was held featuring items that were donated in honor or memory of a special friend or family member diagnosed with cancer or their own personal journey with the cancer.

Sponsors of the event included: Marquee Sponsor – Wells Fargo; Curtain Call Sponsor – Dargan Construction; River of Life Sponsor – Zander Insurance; Encore Sponsor – Harbor Freight; Red Carpet Sponsor – Moore & Van Allen, PLLC; Program Sponsor – QVC; Hope Sponsor – Mr. and Mrs. Robby Roberson; Coffee & Dessert Sponsors – Black Bear Lodge – Dr. and Mrs. Billie and Carol Anne (Shrum) Hanks and PGBA; Reception Sponsors – ACS Technologies, Armstrong Wealth Management, Mr. and Mrs. Timmy Huntley and Kaufman Hall; Stage Door Sponsors – Mr. and Mrs. Boone Aiken, Anderson Brothers Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Rob Colones, EmployReward Solutions, JP Morgan, Lincoln Financial, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, Pee Dee Pathology, Sonoco, SPC Federal Credit Union, TD Bank, Willis Towers Watson, Col. (Ret.) Barry and Carrington Wingard, and Xtend Healthcare; Spotlight Sponsors – Aiken & Company Insurance & Real Estate, Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Brand, II, Businessolver, Cigna, Clarke & Company Benefits, Dilmar Oil, DuBose Insurance Agency, First Citizens Bank, GreerWalker, Hatfield Temple, Mr. and Mrs. Laddie Hiller, Mr. Charlie and Dr. Virginia Ipock, Jebaily Law Firm, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jenkins, KPMG, Pee Dee Electric, Physicians Eyecare Plan, Receivable Solutions, South State Bank , Spa De Vie and Voya Financial.