Community Corner
Glimmer of Hope Foundation Raises More Than $153,000 to Support Children Battling Cancer Nationwide
Record-breaking Glimmer Gala fuels growth of foundation's programs, including Best Day Ever, Courageous Moms Collective, & Hope Has No Hair
PROVIDENCE, RI — Glimmer of Hope Foundation celebrated more than a successful evening—it celebrated a growing movement.
The organization's third annual Glimmer Gala raised $153,809, surpassing its original fundraising goal by more than $53,000 and marking the most successful gala in the foundation's history.
Founded by former Miss Rhode Island Ali Hornung and inspired by the courageous journey of Ella Catherine Integlia, whose battle with leukemia also inspired Hornung's children's book, Hope Has No Hair, Glimmer of Hope Foundation continues to expand its reach, supporting children and families navigating pediatric cancer across the country.
The sold-out event welcomed 510 guests and featured nearly 50 children and teens battling cancer and survivors who took the runway alongside celebrity mentors, community leaders, and cast members of Bravo's Real Housewives of Rhode Island.
"This evening wasn't simply about reaching a fundraising goal," said Hornung. "Every dollar represents another family we can support, another child we can reach, and another opportunity to remind families facing pediatric cancer that they are never alone."
Funds raised through the gala will allow the foundation to continue expanding its signature programs, including providing bald dolls to children undergoing treatment, growing its Best Day Ever princess experiences held at castles and resorts across the country, supporting families through the Courageous Moms Collective, expanding distribution of Hope Has No Hair, and developing new opportunities that bring confidence, connection, and joy to children and families navigating pediatric cancer.
The evening brought together pediatric cancer families, local business leaders, sponsors, healthcare advocates, and members of the Rhode Island community to celebrate the children and teens at the heart of Glimmer's mission.
Among the evening's most inspiring moments were remarks from Nora Kelly, 15, of Barrington, and Emerson Ford, 13, of East Greenwich, both childhood cancer survivors and beneficiaries of Glimmer of Hope Foundation programs, who shared how the organization has impacted their lives.
Guests also heard from Sarah Wroblewski, who shared the story of her son's battle with Stage IV brain cancer before watching him walk the runway alongside Jared Haibon. Wroblewski is also a member of Glimmer of Hope Foundation's inaugural Courageous Moms Collective, a program created to connect and support mothers navigating pediatric cancer.
Serving as emcees for the evening were Grammy-nominated country artist Billy Gilman and Miss New York Lauren Norris. Celebrity mentors included cast members of Bravo's Real Housewives of Rhode Island—Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi—along with Miss Rhode Island Mia Daley and Miss Rhode Island's Teen Honisty Baker, each walking the runway with participating children and teens.
The evening concluded with a moving runway finale featuring Cathi and Chris Integlia, whose daughter, Ella Catherine Integlia, inspired both the creation of Glimmer of Hope Foundation and Hornung's children's book, Hope Has No Hair. Their family's journey continues to inspire the foundation's mission and its growing impact on pediatric cancer families nationwide.
"As Glimmer of Hope Foundation grows, our focus remains the same," Hornung said. "We want every child and every family facing pediatric cancer to know there is hope, there is support, and there is an entire community standing beside them."
With record-breaking community support, the foundation is preparing to expand its programs, reach more families across the country, and continue creating moments that remind children they are seen, celebrated, and never alone.
About Glimmer of Hope Foundation
Founded by former Miss Rhode Island Ali Hornung, Glimmer of Hope Foundation was inspired by the courageous journey of Ella Catherine Integlia and is dedicated to supporting children and families navigating pediatric cancer.
The foundation provides bald dolls to children undergoing treatment, hosts the annual Glimmer Gala, brings magical princess experiences to families across the country through its Best Day Ever program, supports mothers through the Courageous Moms Collective, and shares messages of hope through Hornung's children's book, Hope Has No Hair.
Through advocacy, community partnerships, and meaningful experiences, Glimmer of Hope Foundation continues to bring comfort, confidence, connection, and joy to children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.
