Carson Tahoe cancer fundraiser has new ‘anthem’

HopeFest8 is here.

Singer Tyrone Wells is headlining the eighth annual fundraising event, which will feature food, drinks, a raffle for a car or cash prize, and a colorful costume parade with several hundred employees of Carson Tahoe Health.

“It is one of the most bonding events in the community,” said Kitty McKay, director, Carson Tahoe Health Foundation, which puts on the fundraiser. “Every year I stand on stage and look out at everyone and ask if you’ve been touched by cancer, and every single hand goes up.”

The event raises money to support cancer patients at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center. Since 2011, $575,000 of funds raised have gone to help patients pay insurance premiums and co-pays, mortgage, rent, and utilities, and gas for their cars. Money also goes to operate the Merriner Cottages, the center’s 15 cottages where rural patients can stay free of charge during treatment.

The event was the brainchild of McKay, who wanted to create a fundraiser free to the public to ensure everyone, including cancer patients, could afford to attend.

Beer is donated by Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma, California, and Carson City’s Shoe Tree Brewing Co. Most of the wine is donated by national distributor Southern Wine & Spirits. And the raffle prize — a choice of $10,000 in cash or a new Toyota or Ford car — is provided by Dick Campagni’s Dealership Group.

Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100, and can be purchased at the event or beforehand at the Carson Tahoe Health Gift Shop, Carson Tahoe Health Marketing Office, and the Health & Wellness Institute.

Wells, a Spokane, Washington, singer and songwriter, is returning to HopeFest with a new tune McKay thinks will be as inspirational as last year’s favorite song.

“His Make It Through is our anthem now,” said McKay. “This year we invited him back, he’s so amazing, and he has a new song, Rise Again.”

Hospital employees have been competing to raise funds already, said McKay.

The medical access and medical records departments, for example, recently held a Dump the Doc water tank, in which physicians volunteered to be dunked, which raised $2,300 for the foundation.

The competition will culminate at HopeFest8, said McKay, where departments throughout the hospital hold a parade.

“Each department has a costume theme and it’s secret until the day of the event,” said McKay.

HopeFest8 is Aug. 24, 6-9 p.m., at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center.