Giving Support

As someone who is familiar with many of the challenges that those with a cancer diagnosis face, KAREN ABERCROMBIE is a well-suited keynote speaker for Wilmington-based Hope Abounds’ annual fundraiser, Gift of Hope.

Abercrombie is an award-winning actress who you may have seen in shows such as Vampire Diaries and movies such as War Room and Mountain Top. In addition, she is a Parent’s Choice Award-winning storyteller as well as a speaker.

She will be in Wilmington on Saturday for the annual Gift of Hope event at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach starting at 6 p.m.  She will share how people can come together to help those going through an active cancer diagnosis.

The night will also feature hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drinks, a prime rib dinner, musical entertainment by Kennedy Entertainment, a live and silent auction, raffles and giveaways.

The event raises funds for the local nonprofit, which provides assistance to families and patients actively undergoing cancer treatments. Services include advocacy for patient referrals, financial grants and more, as well as education and guidance for keeping track of medical and personal forms.

WILMA spoke with Hope Abounds co-founder and executive director ELIZABETH BARNES about the event and how the nonprofit has been doing since its forming.

WILMA: For the Gift of Hope event, why did Hope Abounds decide to host Karen Abercrombie as its keynote speaker?
Barnes: “She is familiar with the dire circumstances that those diagnosed with cancer face, therefore Hope Abounds Cancer Network is proud that Ms. Abercrombie accepted our invitation to share her heart for others at The Gift of Hope to be an inspiration of Hope.”

WILMA: What can attendees of the annual event expect?
Barnes: “Attendees of the Gift of Hope will be inspired and encouraged as they are made aware of the tremendous services and programs of Hope Abounds. They will be challenged by Karen Abercrombie on how we can show our compassion for those diagnosed with cancer and to top off the evening, a fun time of enjoyment with an incredible Live and Silent auction and raffles items.”

WILMA: The Gift of Hope is a fundraising event, what kind of impact do fundraisers have on the nonprofit? What does it enable it to provide?
Barnes: “Hope Abounds is very proud of the tremendous support we receive from the community that supports our charitable organization by their attendance. We are proud that our fundraising events are recognized for their success in raising a significant portion of the funding needed to provide our complimentary services and programs for the cancer patient and their family.”

WILMA: What are some important milestones the organization has achieved since its start in 2016?
Barnes: “Hope Abounds Cancer Network was founded and introduced to the community in March 2009.  Since 2009, we have increased our support from a seedling foundation to proudly supporting cancer patients in North and South Carolina and often nationally for the need of advocacy.”

Gift of Hope is this Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Resort on Wrightsville Beach.

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