Each year the Mountain of Hope Society reaches out to a number of valley residents who have found themselves struggling during tough times. From families dealing with cancer treatment to those having difficulty finding work in a rough economy, the society is all about helping those people in the community that don’t have other resources available.

“We’re friends helping friends,” Neil Carey of the Mountain of Hope Society said. “We assist people in the community who have come on difficult times, and don’t have other resources to call on.”

That’s why each year, the annual Mountain of Hope Gala is key to the continued success of the society.

Taking place on March 10 at Chopper’s Landing at Panorama, this year’s event will feature the usual complement of great food, friends and entertainment, according to Carey. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails, while dinner is served at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 each and are available by emailing either neil.carey@panoramaresort.com or mountainofhopesociety@gmail.com .

“One misconception, and one thing I get asked each year is ‘who are you raising money for this year?'” Carey said. “That’s not the case, it’s not just for one person — it’s a fund so that when someone gets into a situation we can react, and react immediately.”

Carey notes one instance in particular, where after the board was notified of an individual who needed help, they were able to deliver a cheque just 15 minutes later.

This year’s event should also feature the return of Terry Grant, better known as Mantracker, who has made the gala an annual appointment on his schedule after doing a couple episodes of his show in the area in years past.

“We’re looking forward to it again this year,” Carey said. “It’s a great collaboration of people coming together to raise a bit of money for people who need it.”