April 22, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
The 2nd Annual "Evening of Promise" gala benefit to fund pediatric cancer research through the Hingham based organization, Maddie's Promise, will take place in-person on May 13 following last year's virtual event due to the pandemic.
"Along with other supporters, we're hoping to see some new faces -- people with whom our cause resonates," Maddie's mother, Ann McCoy, told the Hingham Anchor.
This is an opportunity to thank supporters and to raise funds for continued research in a festive atmosphere. "We're trying to find ways that we can make the most difference," she said.
Maddie’s Promise is named in honor of Maddie McCoy, an energetic 11-year-old girl from Hingham who passed away in 2019 of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. “Maddie was a bright, loving, active child who played soccer, competed in gymnastics, and was just busy living her life surrounded by friends,” her mother said.
When Maddie passed away in May 2019, it was her friends and their parents who rallied to the family's support and were the driving force behind the creation of Maddie’s Promise.
"Pediatric cancer research is woefully underfunded, and ‘An Evening of Promise’ is a fun way to raise the money we need to push pediatric cancer research forward," McCoy said.
The festive event --hosted by Hingham broadcast journalist Ally Donnelly -- is planned for Friday, May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. at South Shore Country Club, featuring music, dancing, cocktails, light fare, live auctions, raffles, a silent auction -- including a weekend getaway to Cape Cod, a round of golf at Black Rock Country Club and another on Martha's Vineyard, and Red Sox and Celtics tickets -- games, a photo booth, and more. "Inspiring stories of courage" will also be shared.
McCoy will present an update about recent developments in medical collaborations, treatments, and progress made toward ultimately finding a cure for young cancer patients like Maddie -- who is remembered for her smiling face, generosity, kindness, and courage in the face of a major medical challenge.
“We have such great support from the community, people have been so generous and tickets for this event are selling fast,” McCoy said. “There’s excitement and a lot of energy about being together in person at the gala this year. Last year’s event was a remarkable accomplishment, and we expect even more excitement, fun, and success this year. In addition to all the entertainment, I’m eager to share some of the really exciting news that’s been taking place with precision treatments in the pediatric cancer field.” Tickets are $125 per person, and several levels of sponsorship are available. A limited online live cast from the event will be accessible for supporters outside the area. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.maddiespromise.org/annual-gala-2022.
All funds raised during the event benefit Maddie’s Promise, to promote pediatric cancer research and life-saving treatment for children. For more information on Maddie’s Promise and “An Evening of Promise” on May 13 at the South Shore Country Club, go to www.maddiespromise.org.