Night of Hope Cancer Walk has record-breaking year

The 2015 Night of Hope Cancer Walk brought locals to Sidney's Legion Park to celebrate and remember loved ones who have died of cancer, continue to battle and those who have overcome the disease.

The annual "Survivor's Lap" kicked off the event. The Sidney Red Raiders' Danz Team greeted each survivor with a white balloon to release on the bridge where "HOPE" was lit up on the side.

Luminaries decorated with names and messages outlined the path as family and friends encouraged and applauded as each survivor took their victory lap.

"The evening always turns out better than expected. It was the perfect night for the event," said Brenda Noel, president of the Night of Hope Foundation. "The community always comes out in strong support and it's always appreciated by us and the cancer patients we are able to help."

This year, The Night of Hope Foundation raised more than $46,000, making it a record-breaking year for the organization.

According to Noel, this is the most money the organization has ever raised.

The Night of Hope Foundation was established in 2002 with the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients in Cheyenne County and surround areas.

This year, 21 teams participated in the walk to raise money to assist with local patient aid, scholarships and survivor retreats as well as money for the Eppley Cancer Research Center in Omaha and to "TEAM Jack" to assist in cancer research.

For the second year in a row, the TE Connectivity team earned the 2015 Team of Year for raising $5,050. TE Connectivity – as a company – matched the funds that the team raised making their final total $10,100.

Second place went to Escape with Michelle, who raised $1,308.

Pink Floosies raised $1,170 placing them third.

Awards were also presented to the Supporters of the Year, John and Kim Phillips and the Fox Theater Staff as well as the Leyton football team and Coach Glen Lipska for volunteering their time and supporting the event each year.

"The Night of Hope has become a very important part of my life," Noel said. "Being able to rally a group of 20 people together to organize the event and to also pull together a community for such a worthy cause means more than what words could even express."