The latest round of City of Hope’s signature fundraising walk united survivors and supporters in eight cities to back the Women’s Cancers Program.

More than 23,000 volunteers nationwide joined together last year to be part of Walk for Hope Nationally Presented by Staples. The series of events expanded to one new city in 2011. Walkers at another locale turned in a record-breaking performance.

Participants embark on the Walk for Hope Nationally Presented by Staples in Los Angeles. (Photo by Kim Hosozawa)

In all, Walk for Hope garnered nearly $2.2 million for research, treatment and education for breast and gynecological cancers. Since the event’s inception in 1995, volunteers have brought in more than $34 million.

“Walk for Hope is a wonderful sign that when it comes to fighting women’s cancers, we are all in this together,” said Joanne Mortimer, M.D., director of the Women’s Cancers Program. “Our advocates here on campus and throughout the country work to raise funds throughout the year because they believe our team will deliver advances that help women overcome cancer and enjoy longer and better lives.”

Eight cities hosted Walk events in 2011: Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Staples returned as national presenting sponsor, and Ladies’ Home Journal and The Walking Company served as national sponsors. Albertsons/SavOn Pharmacy continued its support as local presenting sponsor in San Diego. Belfort Furniture signed on as local presenting sponsor for the Washington, D.C., event.

The Los Angeles Walk, held Nov. 6 on the City of Hope campus, raised the most money nationally. Thanks to the efforts of more than 10,000 participants, the event topped the $1 million mark for the first time in its history.

In Seattle, nearly 1,500 walkers gathered on Oct. 2 and brought in more than $193,000. The Sept. 18 event in Chicago included more than 1,100 participants and garnered more than $188,000.

The inaugural Washington, D.C., Walk took place April 10, with a five-kilometer route that began at the National Mall and encircled the Capitol building. About 750 people turned out, raising more than $184,000. Sixteen members of Congress offered their official support for the Walk.

The new event at the nation’s capital featured both the No. 1 fundraising team and the No. 1 individual fundraiser of 2011.

Team Markel gathered more than $48,000. Tony Markel, national chair of City of Hope’s Power of Hope campaign, led the group, which included four busloads of participants who trekked from Richmond, Va., more than 100 miles away.

Mike Huber, chief executive officer of Belfort Furniture, brought in more than $25,000 in donations, making him the top individual fundraiser. The National Home Furnishings Industry’s 2011 Spirit of Life® Award honoree, Huber encouraged giving by matching pledges dollar-for-dollar.

Backing also remained strong among City of Hope staffers at the Los Angeles Walk. The Home Team, comprising 53 teams of employees and their families and friends, garnered more than $88,000.

The 2012 Walk for Hope series kicks off April 28 with the second Washington, D.C., event. Organizers also have scheduled events in San Diego (May 19), Philadelphia (Sept. 23) and Phoenix (Oct. 7).