Night of Hope walk on tap for Friday

The annual Night of Hope Cancer Walk is a time for locals to remember loved ones who have died of cancer, but also a celebration of those who continue to battle the disease and those who have overcome it.

The Night of Hope Foundation is a volunteer-based organization that was established in 2002 with the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients in Cheyenne County and surrounding areas. The organization raises money throughout the year, including donations gathered by local groups.

Annually, 90 percent of the funds stay in the area to assist with patient aid, scholarships and survivor retreats. The other portion of funds is sent to the Eppley Cancer Research Center in Omaha and to "TEAM Jack" to assist in cancer research.

Brenda Noel, president of the Night of Hope Foundation, said it's important for people to know that anyone who is under active treatment for cancer qualifies for the assistance offered by the Night of Hope Walk for Cancer.

Patients being treated in Dalton, Gurley, Lodgepole, Sunol, Potter, Dix, Kimball, Chappell and Peetz, Colo., are all able to receive financial assistance.

"I really just want to encourage the community to support the cause especially since the assistance stays within the community," Noel said. "You will be able to purchase a shirt, luminaries, cookbooks and snacks the night of the event."

The evening will include such things as a silent auction, BBQ, the "Chair-ity" auction, cookbook sales, face painting and a raffled football autographed by "TEAM Jack's" Jack Hoffman and former Nebraska football player Rex Burkehead.

Luminaries purchased and decorated by loved ones with names and letters for memorial or celebration will light up the trail around the pond. On average more than 300 luminaries are displayed each year.

This year is the third year the "Chair-ity" auction will take place at the Night of Hope. Local businesses and individuals have donated chairs each with different items based around a theme.

"The "Chair-ity" auction is a live auction twist on a gift basket," Noel said.

"The silent auction includes 30 packages to bid on," Noel added "We will also have a 'selfie' photo booth and encourage everyone to charge up their phones and show us their silly side."

The walk will be held on Friday in Sidney's Legion Park around the pond. The event will kick off at 5:45 p.m. with the National Anthem and the "Survivor's Lap" starting at 6 p.m. The reading of the luminaries and viewing of the slide show will begin at dusk.