Gala of Hope Foundation Rallies Community to Support Veterans Battling Cancer

DAYTON, OH — For veterans battling cancer, the challenges often go far beyond medical treatment. Transportation to appointments, rising household expenses and everyday necessities can become additional burdens during an already difficult time.

The Gala of Hope Foundation is working to ease those burdens through its Veterans Hope campaign, bringing together golfers, businesses and community volunteers to provide practical assistance to veterans facing cancer throughout the Dayton region.

The campaign has already raised more than $44,000 through its inaugural Long Game Golf Marathon, with additional fundraising activities and community events planned through Veterans Day.

A Box of Hope Makes a Difference

For one Vietnam veteran named Tom, a simple care package provided more than household essentials and gift cards.

Tom, who is battling bladder and lung cancer attributed to Agent Orange exposure, received a Box of Hope that he opened with the help of his granddaughters. His wife, Nancy, later expressed her appreciation for the gesture.

"You cheered our family and especially Tom to realize that his service (Vietnam) is remembered and appreciated," Nancy wrote.

The foundation hopes to provide that same feeling of appreciation and encouragement to many more veterans.

"Veterans have already fought for us, and now many are fighting cancer, too. They should not have to worry about getting to treatment, putting food on the table, or managing another unexpected expense," said Morgan Ednie, executive director of Gala of Hope Foundation.

"Boxes of Hope is our way of surrounding them with practical help and the support of a grateful community."

Golfers Take on 100-Hole Challenge

The Long Game Golf Marathon began Oct. 22 and continues through Wednesday, Oct. 28, challenging participants to complete 100 holes of golf over one week while raising funds for veterans.

As of Oct. 26, golfers had completed a combined 675 holes and raised $44,018.

Participants from Ohio, Florida and Maryland have joined the effort, including members of Wright State University's men's golf team, who are competing for the inaugural College Cup.

Funds raised will help veterans manage expenses associated with transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and other essential needs during cancer treatment.

Community members who do not golf can still participate by making donations, supporting individual golfers or participating in an online silent auction and raffle.

Auction items include passes to the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, passes to the 2027 WM Phoenix Open and a Myrtle Beach golf getaway. The golf marathon concludes with a 19th Hole Closing Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, at The Steam Plant in Dayton.

Veterans to Be Honored at Wright State Basketball Game

The campaign will continue Monday, Nov. 2, when Wright State University hosts the Air Force Academy in the Stars, Stripes and Flight Classic basketball game.

The military appreciation game begins at 7 p.m. at the Nutter Center.

Sponsored by The Big Hoopla and supported by CareSource, the event will include a planned on-court check presentation highlighting financial support for veterans battling cancer.

Volunteers to Pack 100 Boxes of Hope on Veterans Day

The campaign will culminate on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, when volunteers and community partners gather to assemble 100 Boxes of Hope for veterans undergoing cancer treatment.

The packing event will take place from 9 to approximately 11 a.m. at McGohan Brabender, 3931 S. Dixie Drive in Moraine. Working with the Dayton VA, the foundation plans to distribute the boxes to veterans actively receiving cancer treatment.

Each box will contain nonperishable food, personal care items, household essentials, winter accessories and grocery gift cards.

A donation of $350 supports the Boxes of Hope effort for one veteran, although contributions of any amount are welcome.

Founded in 2014, the Gala of Hope Foundation works to support people facing cancer in the Dayton region by providing direct assistance, improving access to quality care and investing in cancer research.

Through the Veterans Hope campaign, the foundation hopes to remind veterans that their service has not been forgotten and that their community continues to stand beside them.

There is Still Time to Help

Residents interested in supporting the campaign can visit:

• Golf marathon and donations: https://charity.pledgeit.org/TheLongGame
• Silent auction and raffle: https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/pvvf3fwr6s/pages/Auction-Raffle

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