HOPEsudbury Raises More Than $62K With Telethon

HOPEsudbury marked its 10th anniversary with its signature telethon and auction at on Saturday. 

The community showed its support as HOPEsudbury received more than $62,000 in donations. 

HOPEsudbury, a nonprofit organization formed after the Sept. 11 tragedy, provides short-term financial assistance to local residents and families with emergency or unexpected financial need through the HOPEsudbury Community Assistance Fund (The Hope Fund). 

HOPEsudbury co-president Jill Stansky said the nonprofit has displayed tremendous progress in the past decade with its telethon and auction. 

"The first year, we didn't know what we were doing," Stansky said. "Ten years later, it's like clockwork."

The telethon featured performances from some of Sudbury's best and brightest, including singing, dancing and instrumental acts.

"It's really just not about us," Stansky said. "We like to showcase all the good in Sudbury."

More than 100 volunteers donated their time and effort to help the performers. In addition, auction items provided people the opportunity to acquire prizes such as gift certificates and gift baskets while supporting the local community. 

"It's great to be a part of HOPEsudbury," said auction host Ariana Gunderson, a Lincoln-Sudbury graduate. "It's good to see all the talent that Sudbury has."

HOPEsudbury hosted a Cow-A-Dunga event, or Cow Patty Bingo, as well as people awaited for Hope the cow to drop her first "patty" onto a lucky block. Those who purchased a block had an opportunity to win up to $3,000, which was won by Amy Colon.

The telethon included interviews with local representatives who urged the community to support the cause. 

State Rep. Tom Conroy noted the event offered the community an opportunity to help their own. 

"We want to make this as successful as possible," Conroy said. "There's a lot more need out there than most people realize."

HOPEsudbury has emphasized the importance of community since its formation, encouraging Sudbury citizens to work together toward common goals.

Local residents have shown they know how to help one another. 

"(The organization) has grown," Stansky said. "We're neighbors helping neighbors."