Mission Hope Cancer Center’s 12th annual Day of Hope community event raised a record-breaking $473,215 in support for local cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center.
The 2025 total, announced at the Day of Hope Celebration on Sept. 25,
represents a significant 15.7% increase, surpassing last year’s $409,013, according to Mission Hope.
“I extend our organization’s deepest gratitude to local community members for their generous and truly inspirational support of local patients receiving care at our Mission Hope Cancer Center locations in both Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande,” said Sue Andersen, president/CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
“Our Central Coast community’s incredible generosity is more than a gift–it is a lifeline of hope, strength, and healing for every cancer patient and their family members who walk through the doors of our facilities,” she said.
Of the total funds raised, the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation raised $404,828, directly benefiting Mission Hope Cancer Center’s Santa Maria location.
The Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation raised $68,387 to support the Mission Hope Cancer Center’s Arroyo Grande site.
This year also marked the introduction of two community car shows, which, alongside the traditional newspaper sales, further expanded engagement and fundraising efforts.
The Day of Hope Celebration also recognized individuals and teams whose exceptional efforts contributed significantly to the record-breaking total. Awards were presented in two categories:
Day of Hope 2025 Top Corporate Teams:
First Place Corporate Team: Rugged Radios
Team Revenue Total: $37,081
Team Leader: Greg Cottrell
Second Place Corporate Team: CoastHills Credit Union
Team Revenue Total: $10,981
Team Leaders: Karla Gonzalez, Amelia Gonzalez-Paz, Lisa Ma’a, Letisia Gonzalez, and Cathy Cachu
Third Place Corporate Team: Dignity Health Home Health and Hospice, Infusion, TCC, and Palliative Care
Team Revenue Total: $7,606
Team Leader: Michele Rodriguez
Day of Hope 2025 Top Friends and Family Teams:
First Place Friends and Family Team: Passion for Color
Team Revenue Total: $32,192
Team Leaders: Monica Navarro, Angelica Gutierrez, and Lorena Chavez
Second Place Friends and Family Team: For the Pink Ribbon
Team Revenue Total: $16,143
Team Leader: Meredith Rodriguez
Third Place Friends and Family Team: Teal Wings
Team Revenue Total: $8,623
Team Leader: Denise Villarete
The top fundraising school was El Camino Junior High, raising $5,900.
Although the official Day of Hope event has concluded, community members can still make donations in support of local cancer patients and families receiving care at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.
For more on how to contribute, contact the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, 805-739-3595 and the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation 805-994-5421.