Baritone Alexander Elliott and the Three Tenors, Nick Townsend, Shaw Thompson and Kevin Carter, perform “The Impossible Dream” during the 19th Annual Cancer Benefit, An Evening of Hope, at the Florence Little Theatre on September 27, 2018.

An Evening of Hope to benefit the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research was held on Thursday, September 27 at the Florence Little Theatre. The McLeod Health Foundation’s 19th Annual Cancer Benefit presented by Wells Fargo, Harbor Freight Tools Foundation, Dargan Construction and Zander Insurance.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the HOPE Fund. Gifts made in support of the HOPE Fund (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) benefit oncology patient support services and provide oncology staff with improved access for immediate assistance needs for their patients. Programs supported through this fund provide transportation and medication needs for patients with few resources and educational manuals and supplies.

This year’s musical and comedy revue involved talented performers and regional artists paying tribute to loved ones touched by cancer. Performers for the evening include: Baritone Alexander Elliott, a native of Florence, who has performed in concerts and operatic roles with the New York City Opera, Annapolis Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Orlando Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, among others; Francis Marion University’s Ensemble “Young Gifted and Blessed; Cailin and Jennifer Foxworth accompanied by Robin Thompson; Brass Quintet Pentamerous Shade featuring Cancer Survivor Tommy Spittle; Dustin Moree; and Florence’s Three Tenors: Kevin Carter, Shaw Thompson and Nick Townsend.

Survivors also shared their testimonials during the evening. These Portraits of Hope include Jennifer Almers, Randy Altman, Cary Andrews, Shaw Dargan, Sarah DuBose, Temple Dyson, Edith Friday, Jammie Muldrow, Kerstin Nemec, Kathleen Walker and Mildred Welch.

In addition, a silent auction was held featuring items that were donated in honor or memory of a special friend or family member diagnosed with cancer or their own personal journey with the cancer.

For more information on the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, please visit www.mcleodcancer.org. To learn about the HOPE Fund, visit www.mcleodhopefund.org.