Twice a year, the international furnishings industry and local community converge at High Point Market. And every October, City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry hosts Hike for Hope to help save lives and find cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. On Oct. 14, Hike for Hope will honor grand marshals Shari Wagner and Paulette Rippley of Ashley Furniture for their commitment to help patients and find a cure and prevention for cancer.
Five years ago, Rippley and Wagner, longtime employees of Ashley Furniture, were inspired to help family and friends around them who were directly affected by cancer. They decided to leverage High Point Market as a way to bring the community and furnishings industry together. Within a few weeks, they garnered 350 participants and supporters to help raise awareness and support for City of Hope, an organization that quickly translates scientific research into new treatments for patients. Today, Hike for Hope continues to increase in popularity and support.
“Everyone is touched by cancer,” said Wagner. “Every year, I hear new cases of cancers from colleagues or friends. Hike for Hope represents my personal commitment to make a difference in patients’ lives by bringing the local community and the home furnishings industry together at High Point Market in hopes of some day finding a cure.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that helps save lives with groundbreaking research,” said Rippley. “I’ve made a personal commitment to help raise awareness and support for lifesaving treatments so that more lives can be saved.”
Rippley and Wagner believe that great progress requires great partnership. They envision a world where cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases no longer claim the lives of our loved ones.
“We’re proud to recognize two courageous and committed women for their remarkable support for advanced research and treatments at City of Hope,” said Shannon Sullivan, director of development, City of Hope. “Their personal experiences with cancer prove that cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects everyone everywhere. Together, we can build a world where cancer, diabetes and other diseases no longer claim the lives of those we love.”
In its five-year history, Hike for Hope has raised a quarter of a million dollars for City of Hope. Hike for Hope will take place at High Point Market located at 211 East Commerce Ave. in High Point in front of Showplace. Registration is online at www.cityofhope.org/nhfi/hike. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. and the one-mile Hike starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by an after-Hike party at 6 p.m. Food and drinks are available with entertainment by local band A to Z Blues Review. For more information about City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry group, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi.
About City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.