Christmas Without Cancer 'Harvesting Hope' Raises Record $35K

CHICAGO — Harvesting Hope, which took place on Saturday at 115 Bourbon Street, broke all fundraising goals and had its most successful event to date by raising over $35,000 for patients and families battling cancer. Now in its third year, Harvesting Hope benefited the not-for-profit Christmas Without Cancer.

The 2021 event raised $10,000 more than the previous Harvesting Hope, which was held in 2019. More than 300 guests enjoyed an afternoon of food, drinks, live entertainment from the Liam Durkin Band, and amazing prizes, games and raffles. In addition to raffles of gift cards, iPads, sporting event tickets, and more, one lucky winner was awarded a Peloton Bike Family Collection.

“This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, and we are so grateful to everyone who supported Harvesting Hope, whether it was by attending, donating a raffle item, purchasing raffle tickets, or by sponsoring,” said Renee Copeland, vice president of Christmas Without Cancer. “It is through events like this that our organization is able to provide year-round financial assistance to our patients battling cancer. We are especially grateful as the Christmas season is upon us, and we have big plans to bring some holiday cheer to our families.”

For over 18 years, Christmas Without Cancer has aided thousands of people across the Chicago area by providing holiday gifts, as well as basic necessities to local families that are stricken with cancer. Founded in 2003 by oncology nurse Gerri Neylon, the organization adopts multiple families throughout the year and supplies them with gift cards for groceries, medications, gas, and other “need” items, as well as help with mortgage payments, rent, tuition, daycare, and travel related expenses for treatment.

Learn more about the mission of Christmas Without Cancer.