The Gateway, a first-time fundraiser sponsored by the Promise of Hope Foundation on June 12, brought almost $14,000 for two local charity efforts.

Funds raised are shared between the Promise of Hope Foundation and the Thomas Family Cancer Center at Olympic Medical Center in Sequim.

The cancer center is using the earnings to support its Patient Assistance Program. The program provides financial aid to cancer patients who are unable to pay for costs such as utility bills or gasoline, taxi fare or ferry vouchers if they have to go to Seattle for care.

The Promise of Hope Foundation is sending funds via Western Union to the Masaka Diocese in Uganda.

This ensures the funds are received safely and applied as directed by the foundation. Barbara Brown, founder of the foundation, says these funds will pay for 20 children to attend school for a full year.

"We are so blessed to live in such a compassionate and generous community," she said.

The foundation’s Web site www.thepromiseofhope.org will be updated to include information regarding The Gateway as soon as pictures are available," Brown said.