A brief window of opportunity is still open to register and attend the first Celebration of Hope Gala: a Derby Affair, 5:30-9 p.m. May 4 at Quailcrest Farm.
Through Charlotte's Hope Foundation, the fundraising event offers the chance to support families whose children are struggling with extensive and complex medical needs.
Co-founder of Charlotte's Hope, Emily K. Whiting, has made it her lifelong mission to help her daughter, Charlotte, thrive through endless rounds of medical appointments, treatments and surgeries, while tirelessly offering the same hope and help to other families facing similar circumstances.
Whiting is a public speaker and author of "She is Charlotte: A Mother's Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities," chronicling the life-threatening and serious health issues in multiple organs she learned her unborn child would face. It shares the tightrope of hope to despair and back again Charlotte and her family have walked since then.
Whiting said the past year has been now 6-year-old Charlotte's "biggest break − a whole year without a surgery, a year of just recovering and being a kid."
By June 2023, Charlotte had logged 17 procedures under the care of 20 specialists in three hospital systems.
Ultimately she was diagnosed with MED12 Hardikar syndrome, with which only nine other children around the world have been afflicted. It is a congenital malformation syndrome affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiac and genitourinary systems, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Fundraiser features horse racing, auctions, food and cocktails
The Quailcrest event will be the "first big public event and fundraiser since (the foundation) was launched" in 2022 with co-founder Ashlyn Thompson, said Whiting, who wanted the initial fundraiser to be held in Wooster − the community that has offered so much support to her family.
"It is an incredible community that rallies around (people's needs)," she said, highlighting the assistance of area businesses.
Because of local sponsorship, every dollar raised will go toward the organization's mission of parent support, mentorship, advocacy coaching and education "for parents and caregivers raising children with complex medical needs."
Charlotte and other children with rare medical disorders are the inspiration driving the foundation.
The fundraiser, using horse racing as a theme, promises a program with live Derby action, live and silent auctions and entertainment. For attendees dressed in Derby attire, a competition including best Derby hat and best dressed gentleman, will be held. The evening will feature culinary stations, cocktails, the 150th Run for the Roses and Place Your Bets.
Those who can't attend can take advantage of an online auction featuring such items as custom paintings, trip packages and sports packages. They also may make a direct donation.
Tickets and tables can be purchased at go.rallyup.com and charlotteshopefoundation.org. Quailcrest is located at 2810 Armstrong Road, Wooster.
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