Compassionate Capitalism - July 2007

The Give Hope Foundation

What Have You Done to Give Hope?

Children are the future resource of Nevada and they need many things. But most of all, they need good health. That’s why the Give Hope Foundation, through the contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations, provides immediate financial assistance to benefit children with catastrophic illnesses by supplying much needed monies to their families.

Give Hope Foundation paid the medical expenses, rent and traveling costs to Stanford Medical Center for C.J. and his mother Cassie. “I was searching the Internet for help and they [Give Hope] were there,” said Cassie. C.J., now 17, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in November of 2004. Cassie, a single mom, was working for United Airlines and trying to maintain her work schedule while caring for C.J. She juggled shifts for a year before finally requesting a leave of absence. Another mother told her about Give Hope.

C.J.’s condition is now stable and he has gained back over thirty pounds. Although he is over a year behind in school, he is currently being home-schooled. Cassie is back to work full-time at United Airlines.

This year marks the sixth annual Northern Nevada Golf Classic, the primary fundraiser for Give Hope. What began as a stand-alone golf tournament and gala to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has developed into an organization to support children and their families locally. More than 70 Northern Nevada families received funds in 2002 through 2005, and 40 families were helped in 2006.

Founders Amanda Flangas, Shanlee Waters, Helen O’Brien, Dana Hall and Alex Flangas formalized Give Hope Foundation into a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2005. Give Hope continues to share part of the proceeds with St. Jude’s while the majority of the resources remain in Northern Nevada. Last year, Give Hope raised $85,000 and this year’s target is $100,000.

Giving Hope to Serenity

“Serenity is the light of our lives,” asserts her grandmother, Cathy. Serenity is 2 and a half years old and has multiple complications from a premature birth. At one week, her intestines burst and at one month, she needed heart surgery to close a hole in her heart. She is fed through a G-tube and must be constantly monitored.

“We didn’t even have food money,” explained Cathy. Although Serenity’s father has legal custody, her grandparents, who are both disabled, take care of her. Give Hope paid the rent for the family. Serenity is now walking and talking and receives in-home therapy four times a week.

Give Hope Foundation has no paid staff or office overhead. The organization is run entirely by volunteers, from the board of directors to individual committees. “Because of the dedication and passion of our volunteers, every dollar donated goes directly to helping the families of children with catastrophic illnesses,” said Amanda Flangas. Expenses are paid directly and never given to the families.

View the Give Hope website at

www.givehopeonline.org.

Contact Amanda Flangas for additional information at

(775) 329-HOPE (4673)

or email to

Amanda@givehopeonline.org.