Whether it’s an annual event like the golf tournament, or a staff-led initiative, philanthropy is a foundational piece of what makes Concert’s culture unique.
For the past six years Alison Wedekind, Concert’s Senior Sales Manager in Victoria, has been collecting gently used bags and jewelry from Concert staff to support the Handbags for Hope initiative started by her friend Lisa in 2010.
Nearly 20 years ago Alison heard the news that Lisa had received a terrible diagnosis: their toddler-aged son had neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that develops in immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body, and most commonly occurs in children ages five and under.
“He was two years old and at the time he was not expected to survive childhood,” says Alison. “Today he is a 21-year-old accomplished triathlete – it’s nothing short of a miracle!”
This miracle story is how the Handbags for Hope event was born. When Lisa and her family discovered that there was a lack of meaningful research due to a shortage of funding, they felt a need to do something more.
On the 10th anniversary of Jordan’s diagnosis they founded Team 4 Hope and since then have raised almost $500,000 to fund seed research and innovative new approaches in the treatment of this pediatric cancer. In addition, Team 4 Hope gives support to families struggling with the diagnosis of this disease. Handbags for Hope, a sale of new and gently used handbags scarves and jewelry, is one of the Team’s most successful annual fundraising events.
“Ever since I began collecting bags at Concert, people have come forward every single year,” continues Alison. “And every bit makes a difference to the event and cause.”
Visit the Team 4 Hope homepage to donate funds toward neuroblastoma research.