A new generation has come on board to keep Nite of Hope (NOH) alive throughout the years.
Judi Miller was thrilled when her 30-year-old daughter, Kristi Miller, decided to take on a larger role, opting to become its new registrar.
"Obviously from the get-go I've been involved, and for the past four years I was in charge of the 50/50," said Kristi Miller. "However, this is the biggest and most time-consuming role I've taken on."
Kristi Miller clearly remembers when her mother was galvanized into action. In 1994, Judi Miller began this journey of hope after losing her beloved mother at 62, followed a few years later by her sister-in-law, 31, to this horrible disease.
"I was really close to my aunt Debbie and when she died of breast cancer that was the last straw for my mom," Kristi Miller said, adding her grandmother died of breast cancer when she was only two.
"My mom likes to face things head on and since she was always a great entertainer and hostess, it made sense for her to start her fundraising efforts there."
Fast forward 19 years and more than $2 million raised later.
When Judi Miller told her daughter that she needed to find someone to take on the registrar position, Kristi Miller felt it was time for her to step up to the plate.
"It was the right time in my life to give more time to NOH," she added. "In my job, I put on events for a law firm so it was an easy position to move into.
"However, it was a little intimidating at first because the women on the NOH committee do it so well. These women feel really passionately about NOH and they really give it their all."
When asked if she would ever consider taking over for her mother when she retires, Kristi Miller didn't even hesitate.
"Although my mom's shoes are pretty big ones to fill, I would love to make sure that my mom's legacy continues," she said.
"I'd also like to help fulfill my mom's dream of having an NOH in many more communities."
(Right now, NOH also put on similar events in White Rock and North Vancouver).
Meanwhile, Kristi Miller is going to enjoy a little time off before the committee ramps it up again in late summer to prepare for the 15th Annual Nite of Hope.
"We will have a meeting to discuss what went well, what can be improved upon and what didn't work," she added.
