Tony and Jennifer Butler’s Hope From Helen foundation is planning its fifth annual holiday auction 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4 at the Blockade Runner Resort. They are expecting 500-750 guests, as many or more than last year, to the fundraising auction and raffle that fills the coffers of a charity near and dear to their hearts, in memory of Tony’s mother, Helen Butler. For four consecutive years, aided by the largess of the Wrightsville community, they have raised and given $145,000.

To families that remain anonymous, they offer the opportunity to make lasting memories.

Tony said, "If we can take that money that’s raised and give to a family with someone that might have a terminal illness; if they can take that money and go on a vacation and build a memory, that’s the goal of Hope From Helen. For me, that’s the one that’s most rewarding is to see a family have those last few moments together."

The nonprofit foundation requires no formal application process for such gifts, instead the Butlers receive e-mails or people drop by Sweetwater Surf Shop where they know they will find Tony.

"It’s such a small community you hear when people are going through problems – whether it be financial or just health problems in general. A lot of times people are very quiet about it. The people that are sick don’t come to me and say, ‘Hey can you help me?’ it’s their friends and family," Tony said.

The donations to families usually come as a surprise. Most times the check is unexpected. Animal charities are also high on the list of priorities.

"You see so many of these animals that have been discarded and given up because of economic conditions," Tony said. "To be able to give to these and see how thankful these rescue places are is very heart warming."

The list of receivers includes the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project, the Karen Beasley Memorial Sea Turtle Hospital, the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter for birds, PAWS Place, the New Hanover Humane Society and the Southport Oak Island Animal Rescue.

Altruistic surfing events and local beautification efforts are also perennially funded. Money has been set aside from Hope From Helen to help fund a public beach access recycling center program that also has the support of the Surfrider Foundation and the Wrightsville Beach Merchants Association.

"The money is there we just have to get a plan together to get the right types of cans and presentation there at the major beach accesses," Tony said.

The pilot program is aimed at curbing litter and preventing plastics and aluminum from entering the landfill.

The Butlers and the Board Retailers Association are now in the final push for donations for the upcoming auction.

"The last two weeks are probably when we get just as many if not more than what we’ve already received, just because people forget or they’re waiting for the last minute," Tony said. "We do definitely still need those donations. Hopefully people haven’t forgotten. Last year they didn’t. I hope this year they won’t either."

Devoted followers of Hope From Helen will once again have the chance to bid on the Mark Richards surfboard that has been auctioned and returned each consecutive year as well as a 1968 Hansen Master vintage single fin valued at $1,450.

Attendees can expect wonderful food provided by Tower 7, a cash bar, and live music performed by Greg Eavey’s The Travellers, and John Sweeney’s original tunes and Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and Donovan Frankreiter covers.