The 2012 Hope Ball will be the 16th Hope Ball held in Greenville since its inception in 1984.  All proceeds benefit the Cancer Society of Greenville County and the 2012 Ball will be April 27, 2012 at the Poinsett Club.  The Hope Ball, which is held every 2 years,  is a black tie dinner dance which involves hundreds of volunteers and individual supporters as well as many sponsors.  Attendance is approximately 500 people.  Our last Hope Ball, held in April, 2010 raised over $312,000 with the proceeds going directly for needed services for local cancer patients.  Our goal for 2012 is to raise $350,000+ with the proceeds going directly for needed life-sustaining services for local cancer patients.

Who Benefits and How	In 2009, the Cancer Society provided  23,913+ direct services to 3,286 cancer patients and their families. Over 2,042 individual and group counseling services touched the lives of not only patients, but also their family members and the bereaved in the community. In addition, 92,551 cancer awareness and prevention programs were provided to the general public.
Why	Cancer makes people vulnerable on many levels. While attacking the body it can drain financial resources, strain caregivers and overwhelm families. For the past 45 years the Cancer Society of Greenville County has provided families from all walks of life with hope, support, financial assistance, counseling services and up-to-date cancer information. Cancer prevention and awareness programs have also been provided to the general population. In 2010 the agency's budget is approximately one half a million dollars and is totally dependent on local donations. All funding comes from the Greenville community and all funding remains in Greenville.
Services	Services are offered free of charge to local cancer patients and their family members. Areas of service include: cancer medications, prostheses, medical supplies,  nutritional and disposable products, home health equipment, transportation assistance, education, counseling and family support programs, as well as meeting many emergency needs.