Hike for Hope Set for Oct. 14

September 27, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on September 28, 2010

City of Hope's National Home Furnishings Industry group will host its Hike for Hope to fight cancer and other illnesses, Thursday, Oct. 14 in High Point.

The event will honor grand marshals Shari Wagner and Paulette Rippley of Ashley Furniture for their commitment to help patients and find a cure and prevention for cancer.

Five years ago, Rippley and Wagner, longtime employees of Ashley Furniture, were inspired to help family and friends around them who were directly affected by cancer. They decided to leverage High Point Market as a way to bring the community and furnishings industry together. Within a few weeks, they garnered 350 participants and supporters to help raise awareness and support for City of Hope, an organization that quickly translates scientific research into new treatments for patients.

Today, Hike for Hope continues to increase in popularity and support.

"Everyone is touched by cancer," Wagner said. "Every year, I hear new cases of cancers from colleagues or friends. Hike for Hope represents my personal commitment to make a difference in patients' lives by bringing
the local community and the home furnishings industry together at High Point Market in hopes of some day finding a cure."

"It's an honor to be recognized by an organization that helps save lives with groundbreaking research," Rippley said. "I've made a personal commitment to help raise awareness and support for lifesaving treatments so that more lives can be saved."

Rippley and Wagner believe that great progress requires great partnership. They envision a world where cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases no longer claim the lives of our loved ones.

"We're proud to recognize two courageous and committed women for their remarkable support for advanced research and treatments at City of Hope," said Shannon Sullivan, director of development, City of Hope. "Their personal experiences with cancer prove that cancer doesn't discriminate--it affects everyone everywhere. Together, we can build a world where cancer, diabetes and other diseases no longer claim the lives of those we love."

In its five-year history, Hike for Hope has raised a quarter of a million dollars for City of Hope. Hike for Hope will take place at High Point Market located at 211 E. Commerce Ave. in High Point in front of Showplace.

Online registration is available. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m., and the one-mile Hike starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by an after-hike party at 6 p.m. Food and drinks are available with entertainment by local band A to Z Blues Review. For more information about City of Hope's National Home Furnishings Industry group, click here.