Wings of Hope Honors Community Members at Winter Gala

COUNCIL BLUFFS – Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center honored two community members for their contributions to those on the cancer journey at its annual winter fundraiser.

Superheroes Unite: a Wings of Hope Winter Fundraiser was held Feb. 8 at Queen of Apostles Great Hall in Council Bluffs. All proceeds will benefit the organization’s 2025 operating budget.

“I saw a room full of everyday superheroes at this event—people who believe, like we do, that no one should face cancer alone,” said Abbey Loughman, executive director of Wings. “Every dollar raised goes directly into making sure our services remain completely free for cancer patients, their families, care partners and survivors. It allows us to offer hybrid programming so support is accessible no matter where someone is in their journey. It also ensures we have an incredible team of professional, compassionate staff who provide the extra mental health support so many need.”

The 2025 Larry Hill Memorial Award was presented to Mike Hoy, Hoy | Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory in Council Bluffs. Presented annually by Wings of Hope, the award honors those who share their gifts and talents to benefit cancer patients and their families in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro and throughout southwest Iowa. Hill, an artist and cancer survivor, was a member of the original board of directors.

The 2025 Carolyn Ettinger Beacon of Hope Award was presented to Deb Kennebeck of Council Bluffs. The award, presented annually by Wings of Hope, honors an individual, organization or business that serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro and throughout southwest Iowa. Nominees must exhibit compassion, receptiveness and superior listening skills for those on the cancer journey. Ettinger was the executive director at Wings for more than 20 years and continues to serve the organization in a half-time program capacity.

For more information about Wings of Hope, visit www.wingsofhope.org.