MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Hope Village for Children received a record-breaking donation Tuesday as the Hope Village Guild presented a fundraising check totaling $161,449.83 — the largest amount ever raised through the annual Run for Hope. The presentation took place at 4:45 p.m. at Hope Village.
Helen Sims, a member of the Hope Village Guild and chairman for the Run for Hope, said the milestone surpasses last year’s total of more than $140,000.
“It’s a record-breaking check. Over $161,000,” Sims said. “We never thought we could surpass last year, but because of the generosity of our community and people who have supported us for over 25 years, it’s amazing.”
The Guild also unveiled a second gift: a new carousel horse crafted by local artist Leslie Carruth. The piece features design elements honoring the Guild’s long history of service and the Malone Home — now the Hope Village administration building. The carousel horse joins the well-known collection displayed throughout Meridian and carries special meaning for employees and the children served at Hope Village.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Hope Village Guild,” said Terri Province, executive director of Hope Village for Children. “Their commitment to supporting our kids year after year is remarkable. This record-breaking gift and the new carousel horse represent far more than generosity — they symbolize hope, joy, and a community that deeply believes in our mission.”
Sims said the Run for Hope total reflects multiple fundraising components, including sponsorships, a raffle and race entries, though sponsorships remain the primary driver. Funds raised through the event support annual programs for children, including birthday celebrations, holiday events, game nights, volunteer activities and improvements to the grounds and cottages.
“The money that we raise with the run helps fund all of our projects throughout the year,” Sims said. “With a number like that, there’s a lot of extra money we don’t actually use, but there will be improvements to the grounds and the cottages.”
She encouraged community members to continue supporting Hope Village through volunteering or donations.
“You can volunteer and be part of the Guild, or we are taking donations all throughout the year,” Sims said. “Every year our goal with the race is to raise that number and have something to celebrate.”
The Hope Village Guild remains a vital partner in supporting Hope Village for Children through service, advocacy and its long-running Run for Hope fundraiser.