Hope for the Holiday 2022 Co-Chairs Andy Dailey and Jennifer Fillauer
An enchanting evening filled with Hope and Giving is the theme for the American Cancer Society’s 2022 “Hope for the Holidays” gala. ACS is partnering with CHI Memorial for the gala, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Chattanooga Westin.
The black-tie event will include a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, live auction and a short, inspiring program. There will also be a silent auction, champagne & diamond raffle, wintery bourbon garden and dancing to music provided by The Malemen Band, a Chattanooga based 14-piece band, and one of Chattanooga’s favorites.
Co-chairs for the event are Jennifer Fillauer and Andy Dailey. "These ladies are no strangers to fundraising and serving our community," officials said. "You might recognize Andy from her time as an on-air reporter for WDEF News 12 and her dedication to advocate for victims of trafficking and child abuse, but that is not her only passion."
According to Ms. Daily, "The devastating result of cancer in my own immediate family made my decision to co-chair with my best friend Jennifer Fillauer, an easy one. Both Jennifer and I are honored and excited to take on this leadership role and do our part in the fight to end this terrible disease."
Ms. Fillauer has her own reason for taking on this role as well. “I have seen first-hand the catastrophic effect cancer has had on close friends and family throughout my life. Cancer’s reach is so indiscriminate and for this reason I feel compelled to participate in fundraising efforts for programs that are critical in bringing awareness and support to victims of cancer and those affected by it. I look forward to bringing our community together to celebrate the holidays, but also to raise money for this very important cause,” she said.
Both ladies say they are excited and confident they will have no problem in hitting their $200,000 fundraising goal.
“We want to make this a night to remember," said Ms. Dailey. “This year’s event will take on a new twist - as guests arrive, they will be greeted with champagne and then walk through an enchanted, wintry forest to get to the main ballroom.” The gala committee chose to focus on the serenity and calmness of a frosty winter night to give comfort to both the afflicted and their families.
Officials said, "The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, there will be 1.9 million newly diagnosed cancer cases, including 42,200 Tennesseans. Fortunately, the mission of the American Cancer Society is to give hope for our community to those living with cancer through community-based programs, services and research. The funds raised through our 2022 Gala of Hope will go towards cancer research, but those dollars will also provide local support to Chattanooga cancer patients in need of transportation through ACS transportation grants, provide educational resources and support to families, patients and medical staff; provide a 24/7 cancer hotline and resources within our infusion centers and lodging through our Hope Lodge in Nashville and Atlanta."
According to Cindy Rix, senior development manager, “We are excited to announce that our Road to Recovery program is back and actively looking for volunteers. Once we have rebuilt our recovery volunteer base, we will be able to provide additional transportation services through this program and a much-needed service, especially now with gas prices so high. The help of the community is so important to not only assist in funding this program, but in providing drivers. Both needs are crucial to the success of our Road to Recovery program. Currently ACS has provided the funds to provide 177 one-way rides for cancer patients in need of transportation to and from appointments. The money raised through our gala will help us to support and grow this program as well.”
We are also excited to have our HOPE lodges open and currently running at 90-100%, post COVID. “I don’t think our community appreciates or understands how important our Nashville HOPE lodge is to our community. From January 1 to May 31, 2022, 8 patients and caretakers from Chattanooga spent 188 nights in our Nashville Hope Lodge saving our Chattanooga patients/residents thousands of dollars in lodging! That is huge for our community," explained Cindy Rix. “ACS globally will continue to fund millions of dollars in grants to our Tennessee teaching hospitals positively affecting our community doctors by providing research trials and drugs for all cancers.”
Sponsorships and tickets are available at ww.galaofhopechatt.org. For more information regarding Road to Recovery please visit Community Shift: Road to Recovery: Driver CS-50631 (cancer.org) or contact Cynthia Rix, Chattanooga Senior. Development Manager at Cynthia.rix@cancer.org. Tickets are available online at www.galaofhopechatt.org.