Hope for a Community
Club Hope’s new storefront at 237 Sixth Street in Ellwood City
Undoubtedly one of the best qualities about Ellwood City is the huge support system that the town provides – from sports to school activities to new local businesses. Signs by Sam recently had the humbling opportunity to install new exterior ID signage for one special organization in particular – one that is focused on providing a support system for something we all are unfortunately connected to in some way, shape, or form – cancer.
Club Hope Foundation, Inc. is a local organization based in Ellwood City that aims to ease the pain that comes with a cancer diagnosis, for both patients and their families. Doing so through encouragement, services, and hope, it is their mission to help those locally affected through gestures ranging from flowers & gift cards to house cleaning. For those that are suffering from stage 4, non-curable or a terminal diagnosis, organizing a day out with family or purchasing a much needed item are just a couple ways the club has helped those affected.
Nick Nardone: Foundation Treasurer, Mandy Conklin: Foundation Secretary, Cara Atkinson: President/CEO and son Jace
Hoping for More
Sometimes great things arise from unfortunate circumstances, as was the case for Foundation President/CEO and Lincoln High School teacher, Cara Atkinson. At the young age of 23, a cyst in Atkinson’s thyroid was misdiagnosed as benign. However, after consulting with Dr. Robert Ferris of UPMC for a second opinion, it was a much different outcome; Cara learned cancer was present and that she would need surgery. During all of this, a former classmate of hers from Slippery Rock University was battling spinal cord cancer and Cara knew she needed to help. After seeking approval from the school board and administration at Ellwood City, Club Hope was born in September 2008, and their first fundraiser was underway, raising $200 towards the woman’s life saving surgery and treatments. Fast forward 10 years and Cara remains cancer free and continuing to help others who aren’t as lucky.
Some of Club Hope’s littlest supporters and volunteers, sporting the foundation’s custom apparel from Venezie Sporting Goods, managed by board officer, Vanessa Venezie.
With Saturday, June 9th marking their grand opening of their new storefront at 237 Sixth Street in the downtown business district, it goes to show you just how the littlest things are in turn the big things. What started out as a school club at Lincoln High School, Club Hope has also expanded to a Non-profit organization with 5 board members (Atkinson: President, Mandy Conklin: Secretary, Nick Nardone: Treasurers, as well as officers Vanessa Venezie and Mia Damato), and endless community backing through volunteers and supporters. Next year it will magnify even further, as neighboring school districts, Beaver Falls, Central Valley, and Riverside
Jon Atkinson at Club Hope’s first public fundraiser partaking in at Reed’s Services in Ellwood City
will join the efforts.
Making a Difference Together
I had a thought at first about should I just call this the Hope Foundation, but in addition to helping patients and families, Club Hope was able to teach life lessons to students that impacted some of them to go on to nursing, or even oncology nursing. I love the idea of a “club” where you are always welcome whether you are a student who wants to get involved in something to help others that is truly life changing or a new member of the “cancer club” a group that we hope and pray that we are never a part of, but once we are we need so much love and support to get through the next steps. We want our organization to be the place people can go to get help and guidance. ~ Atkinson
Cancer is not, and will never be, easy. However, when you have someone fighting with you in your corner, it can make all the difference…and Club Hope is in your corner the whole way.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.”
Club Hope Foundation, Inc.
Upcoming Events:
June 9th: GRAND OPENING at 237 Sixth Street office
July 7th: Guest Bartending Night at McDowell’s in Koppel, PA
July 14th: Chippewa Community Days
August 3rd: Concert at Lincoln High School featuring the band of BE Taylor
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237 Sixth Street
Ellwood City, PA 16117
724-657-7672
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 2pm
or by appointment
Stay Connected:
Visit their website: https://clubhopefoundation.com/
Like them on Facebook
