RALEIGH — It’s called one of the the absolute worst fundraisers in history. And no it's not because this week's Give Gala isn't a success but rather because of the purpose the event. The 3rd annual partnership between North Carolina organizations Headbands of Hope and The Monday Life. is aimed at raises gifts of kindness instead of dollars.     

Headbands of Hope founder Jess Ekstrom has been able to put her inspiration headbands in every children’s hospital in the country. And through the Give Gala, she’s also encouraging us all to give back our time and resources. She sat down with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair for a look at the event, and just how much of a difference it’s making in communities across North Carolina.

Ekstrom founded Headbands for Hope during her junior year at NC State, where she started providing beautiful headpieces for children fighting cancer and other diseases. Several years later, she teamed up with The Monday Life, a non-profit that helps hospitalized kids feel better and heal faster by improving their environment inside the hospital.

Although the Give Gala doesn’t accept money, the event still benefits critically-ill children and their families. Attendees are asked to offer services, gifts or talent, to children with cancer and other life-threatening conditions, and in return, you get entrance into the gala for free. The gala then distributes offers to patients and families who could benefit from them. Attendees also have the option to fulfill requests directly from patients, families and staff in exchange for a ticket. It’s a great way to meet immediate needs of families during a very difficult time in their lives.

More than 650 people were already signed up to take part in Friday’s Give Gala at the start of the work week, but it’s not too late for you to sign up. The fun takes place Friday, November 16th from 7:30pm- 10:30pm at Marbles Kids Museum in Downtown Raleigh. If you would like to attend, or simply donate your time, visit their website.