'Hope Walk' plans event for Saturday

PENN YAN--The third annual Hope Walk of Yates County will take place Aug. 25 at Stork Fields, behind the Yates Cultural and Recreational Resources Center.
Hope Walk of Yates County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing financial and social support for residents of Yates County living with cancer and their families. While the organization is similar to Relay for Life, sponsoring walk-a-thon fundraisers, Hope Walk is independent and community-focused, raising all funds in the community and supports members in Yates County.
Currently, 26 teams are signed up to participate, but signing up is still available through Saturday, said co-founder and President Marty Shipman. Teams can sign up at hopewalkofyatescounty.org and must consist of at least two people.
The event will begin at 3 p.m. with team registration and conclude at 11 p.m. with closing ceremonies. The event will feature live music, stands by local sponsors, Olympic games and a dinner to honor cancer survivors.
"We take pride in the fact that it's all raised right here and it all goes to help those in the community," Shipman said.
About half of this year's fundraising goal of $40,000 has been met. Proceeds will go to support the new Cancer Care Program, offering financial or personal assistance to anyone in Yates County. Yates cancer patients can apply for grants up to $500.