HHM 365

"Excellence is no accident.

The sky is the limit on what we're doing and what we need to do.

We've got a mission."

Ms. Sylvia Wiggins, Founder + Director, Helping Hand Mission, Raleigh, NC

In 1973, Ms. Sylvia Wiggins founded the Helping Hand Mission with a goal of “joining hands to support families in need.” The mission became a second home to many as it provided children a place to go after school, stay out of trouble and be safe. Music and dancing were a big part of the daily camaraderie. With Sylvia’s love for the arts and a childhood dream of being a majorette, it was natural that they soon started their own marching band. Through the years, the band has brought smiles, joy and hope to countless people. Even when a parade’s over, the spirit of the Helping Hand Mission Band carries through the community.

For 365 days, we documented the band through photo and video. The year begins and ends with their biggest parade, the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Weeks of practice and dedication lead up to this event that entertains thousands. But the year is filled with much more...from parades, practices, community outreach, and personal celebrations.

We’ve completed an amazing year of shooting with the band. Now we are into the next phase and will be editing the photos and stories to produce a documentary photography book. More details and info on fundraising to help bring this project to life will be coming soon. As we work on finishing the book, we invite you to come join our year with the band. On this site, we’ll be posting photos, videos and interviews from the last 365 days.

Thank you to Ms. Sylvia Wiggins and the band for your inspiration, friendships and for letting us into your lives to see the world through your beautiful lens.

Much love and gratitude,
Eve Hobgood and Shannon Wolf

HHM 365.
One year with the band.
Through performances.
Through practices.
Through personal experiences.
Through community.

Follow along with us.