Spotlight on Service: Hope Anderson, Miss Cranberry Country

As Miss Cranberry Country, Hope Anderson is using her crown to shine a spotlight on a cause that has been close to her heart for most of her life. Her Community Service Initiative focuses on the Special Olympics, an organization that has supported her journey since childhood and now benefits from her leadership and advocacy.

Hope’s connection to the Special Olympics began at just four years old when her mother enrolled her in the Young Athletes program. Born prematurely, Hope faced several physical challenges, and the program gave her a strong foundation in motor skills and confidence. By the age of thirteen, she transitioned from participant to volunteer, marking the beginning of her advocacy journey.

Today, Hope continues to serve Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) in many impactful ways. She helps coach a Cheer-Abilities team in New Bedford, supporting athletes with special needs throughout their competitive season. She also leads fundraising efforts, including her third consecutive Polar Plunge team this past winter. Currently, she's hosting several fundraisers, including:

• A signature drink collaboration with smoothie shop 4yew in Raynham, where 15% of proceeds from the Miss Cranberry drink go to SOMA through the end of July.

• A dine-out fundraiser at MaRaffa’s in New Bedford on June 11, where 15% of sales will be donated when guests mention Special Olympics.

• A recent fitness fundraiser in partnership with Hot Yoga 1620, where proceeds from a Pilates class were split between American Heart Association and SOMA.

Hope is also raising awareness in creative ways. For her pageant talent, she performs a HERstory monologue that shares her personal journey from athlete to coach, and honors the resilience of the first athlete she ever coached. It’s a moving and empowering story that highlights the transformative impact of the Special Olympics.

When asked how people can support the organization, Hope encourages everyone to visit the SOMA website and sign up to volunteer. There are opportunities year-round, and volunteers are essential to the success of over five million athletes worldwide. But more than that, she asks people to be daily advocates for inclusion, reminding us that individuals with special needs are strong, determined, and capable of achieving greatness.

For Hope, choosing the Special Olympics as her focus was an easy decision. It has shaped her into the advocate and leader she is today. As Miss Cranberry Country, she uses every appearance and event as a chance to spread awareness, educate the public, and invite others to join the movement for inclusivity.

Cheer Hope on as she competes for the title of Miss Massachusetts on June 21 at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester. You can purchase tickets here.