As the saying goes “all good things come to an end.”
And judging by the support and impact the Nite of Hope Richmond breast cancer fundraiser has had over the years, when the stage lights dim for the last time there will likely not be a dry eye anywhere in the crowd at what is already an emotion-filled evening.
That’s the expectation organizers have for the 17th and final event April 16 at the River Rock Show Theatre which is also tinged with a bittersweet feeling.
“I said to one of our sponsors the other day that it’s going to be a fun night, and a powerful night. But when the curtain comes down, it’s also going to be a sad night,” said Peggy O’Brien, who along with Shelley Leonhardt is co-chairing the final fundraiser.
O’Brien said it was a tough decision to call time on the event, adding she started the planning process with a heavy heart.
“We’ve had an amazing 17 years and raised a ton of money — about $2.4 million,” O’Brien said. “And, at the end of the day it was about making a difference, and we did that.”
So, why was this year targeted as the last one?
“I think we are all just tired. Some of the executives on the board have been involved for the full 17 years,” O’Brien said. “And as much as we tried every year to recruit new people, it’s really hard to do. The event is so big, it can be intimidating and it’s hard to find people to take it on.”
“Like a lot of things, events do run their course,” Leonhardt added. “But what we have accomplished has been instrumental in making a difference in the Lower Mainland through the mammography hub at Richmond Hospital, as well as in the rest of B.C. and Yukon because the money we’ve raised has also gone into research.
“We feel very blessed to have been a part of that.”
Nite of Hope founder Judi MillerKnapp said she had mixed emotions about the event drawing to a close, but has not ruled out it making a comeback at a later date.
“There’s always that possibility,” MillerKnapp said. “We could be re-born again. But what we’re dealing with now is that this will be the finale, and the best ever. I have no doubt of that.
“There is still so much interest in attending an event called Nite of Hope. And there are younger people on the committee who are keen to see it continue, but don’t have the skills or time to move it forward themselves,” MillerKnapp added. “But I would hope that within a few years there will be a chance for it to re-engage.”
“I think it will come back looking different,” O’Brien said. “Maybe it will be a luncheon, something that’s a little more manageable — but still women supporting women.”
This year’s event will feature CTV News anchor Mi-Jung Lee who has chronicled her own battle with breast cancer.
Musical guest will be recording star Melanie Dekker, who is penning a song especially for the Nite of Hope. And returning as emcee is CBC’s Fred Lee.
For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit niteofhope.com.
