Local Nonprofit to Raise Money for Childhood Cancer Research at Collinsville Gala
A volunteer-run nonprofit is preparing a major Collinsville gala to help kids undergoing cancer treatment. Read how Kellsie’s Hope Foundation brings its mission to the 15th annual Kellsie’s Trees of Hope cocktail party and auction.
COLLINSVILLE - A local nonprofit is hosting a major fundraising gala to fight childhood cancer.
From 5–10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, community members can support Kellsie’s Hope Foundation in their mission to raise money for cancer research and grant wishes to kids undergoing cancer treatment. Started by Kellsie Marchbanks, the foundation aims to help kids and the gala is another step toward that goal. Kellsie’s mother, Gail, is proud to carry on her daughter’s legacy.
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“We have a great, great support system,” Gail said. “It is just a small group of volunteers who oversee all of Kellsie’s Hope, and it’s amazing.”
Proceeds from the 15th annual Kellsie’s Trees of Hope cocktail party and auction will go toward the foundation’s work. Held at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, the gala usually sells out with over 1,000 attendees.
Over 200 Christmas trees will line the convention center. Other holiday decor and wreaths will be available for silent auction and raffle. There will be a brief live auction.
One 12-foot Christmas tree will feature photos of the 178 children for whom the foundation has granted wishes. Guests can purchase pink lightbulbs and light up the tree throughout the night.
An angel tree will include photos of Kellsie and other kids who have been lost, which Gail said means a lot to the parents and loved ones who attend.
Gail and her team will present a check for childhood cancer research that evening. As this year marks the 15th anniversary of Kellsie’s passing, they want the check to be especially big. They also hope to grant a child’s wish that night.
The foundation has grown a lot in the past few years. They have raised $1.5 million for childhood cancer research. Most of this has come from their annual Sock It To Cancer campaign, which encourages schoolchildren to collect loose change. The nonprofit is run completely by volunteers, so every penny goes toward helping kids.
The runDisney races are an especially fun initiative. Kellsie loved Disney World and got engaged at Cinderella Castle. Her fiancé now coordinates Kellsie’s Krew, a group of over 300 people from across the U.S. who participate in every runDisney event to raise awareness and money for Kellsie’s Hope.
Gail encourages anyone who wants to know more about Kellsie’s Hope and their programs to visit their official website. If you’d like to buy tickets to the Nov. 21 Trees of Hope Gala, click here.
She emphasized the importance of their work to help more kids. The nonprofit has been a powerful chance to share Kellsie’s heart with so many.
“We’re doing so many good things for her in her name,” Gail said. “That’s what kind of keeps us going.
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