Trio Honored at 2024 Wings of Hope Winter Gala

Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center kicked off its 30th anniversary year Feb. 10 at its 2024 Winter Gala. The event was held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, and attendees were encouraged to wear red and pearls to celebrate the milestone.

In addition to the evening’s activities, three individuals were honored with awards.

Local auctioneer Gail Hunter was presented with the 2024 Larry Hill Memorial Award, which honors individuals who share their gifts and talents to benefit cancer patients and their families in the metro and throughout southwest Iowa. Hunter is a third-generation auctioneer and has been involved in hundreds of successful real estate and benefit auctions. He has been donating his services to the Wings of Hope gala for more than a decade, helping the organization raise thousands of dollars via its oral and program auctions. Larry Hill, an artist and cancer survivor, was a member of the original board of directors.

Patti Higginbotham, president of the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center Board of Directors, was recognized for her vision and dedication to the organization throughout its three decades of service. Higginbotham is the founder of Wings of Hope, which she started in October 1987 as a monthly cancer support group where people met to discuss issues about living with cancer. Wings of Hope received its nonprofit status in September 1994.

Carolyn Ettinger, executive director of Wings of Hope, was presented with the inaugural Carolyn Ettinger Beacon of Hope Award. Going forward, it will honor an individual, organization or business that serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in the metro and throughout southwest Iowa. A public nomination process for next year’s award will begin in April, and it will be presented at the 2025 winter gala. Nominees must exhibit compassion, receptiveness and superior listening skills for those on the cancer journey.

Wings of Hope is supported in part by its 2024 strategic partners: Heartland Oncology & Hematology, Hematology & Oncology Consultants, P.C., Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Nebraska Cancer Specialists. For more information about programs and services, visit www.wingsofhope.org.