For the 13th straight year the Central Coast community came together for the Day of Hope fundraiser, and this year’s results were historic. Held on Aug. 26 at multiple locations—including Santa Maria, Orcutt, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Guadalupe and Lompoc—the event raised a total of $681,779, a $207,842 jump from the prior year and a 44% increase.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” said Derek Baden, Senior Director of Cancer Services at Mission Hope Cancer Center. “We had a lofty goal this year and we blew it out of the water. I couldn’t be more impressed with this community.” The announcement was made by Dignity Health during a special Thank You Celebration at the Edwards Barn in Nipomo.
How the money helps
All proceeds support Mission Hope Cancer Center’s mission to assist cancer patients with financial aid, acquire new technology and equipment, and expand programs and services. The center operates facilities in Santa Maria and Arroyy Grande, serving thousands of patients each year.
Two local foundations contributed significantly: the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation raised $542,057 for the Santa Maria location, while the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation contributed $139,722 for the Arroyo Grande site.
Community volunteers and top fundraisers
Since its inception in 2014, Day of Hope has relied on hundreds of volunteers selling special‑edition $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers on street corners, school grounds and parking lots. In addition to newspaper sales, generous donations from local businesses, families and individuals have steadily increased the event’s impact.
Top fundraising teams were recognized at the celebration. Rugged Radios captured first place in the corporate category with a record‑breaking $50,135. The family‑and‑friends category was led by Passion for Color, which raised $33,773. The most spirited award went to Mission Hope Cancer Center’s Santa Maria location and Grands of AG for Arroyo Grande. El Camino Junior High in Santa Maria earned the top school honor, raising $1,052.
Looking ahead
With this year’s contribution, the cumulative total raised over the 13‑year history of Day of Hope now exceeds $3.85 million. While the 2026 event has concluded, community members can still donate to Mission Hope Cancer Center by contacting the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation at (805) 739‑3595 or the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation at (805) 994‑5421.
The record‑setting fundraiser underscores the compassion and generosity of the Central Coast community, providing vital support to cancer patients and their families throughout their healing journeys.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
