Every year around the holidays the Center of Hope Foundation begins to prepare for its annual Holiday Giving Program. “It’s around this time of year that we see the families we serve begin to worry about how to make this holiday season special for their loved ones. How will they put food on the table for Thanksgiving and gifts under the tree for Christmas/Hanukkah, etc.? This is what the Holiday Giving Program has been about for the last 30 years. Taking the worry and stress away and putting smiles on as many faces as we can.” said Cindy Howard, CEO at the Center of Hope.  

Many businesses and members of the community step up and participate in raising money, giving gifts, or donating food. The Help Wanted Band has been a major supporter of this program for well over 20 years. Prior to the pandemic, the Center of Hope hosted a fundraiser, Country for a Cause, where The Help Wanted Band would come and play for a fun afternoon of music and dancing. Six years ago, the band lost their drummer, Scott Mackay who said, “Country for a Cause was his favorite band gig throughout the year.” It was then that the Mackay and Ljungberg families came together and began hosting a golf tournament in memory of Scott, with the proceeds benefiting the Center of Hope’s Holiday Giving and Special Olympics Programs. The generosity from golfers and sponsors has helped the tournament raise over $31,000 throughout the last 6 years.

The Center of Hope wants to thank the Mackay and Ljungberg families, golfers and the sponsors who have made this event so successful. The proceeds are such a great help in putting smiles on so many faces. “We are truly grateful for everyone’s help in making the Holiday Giving Program a continued success.” said Cindy Howard.  

To learn more about the Center of Hope and the Holiday Giving Program please visit our website at www.thecenterofhope.org or by calling us at (508) 764-4085.