It Only Takes a Spark is Looking for You!

The 2019 It Only Takes a Spark Cancer Walk is coming up soon! It’s the weekend of June 14. Find it just down the block at Farley Park and help your neighbors who live in every corner of Grant County.

Want to help, but not sure what to do? Check this list of 10 ways you can make a difference:

1. Donate an item to the silent or public auctions.
2. Donate through Thrivent Choice.
3. Purchase a luminary.
4. Attend one of the team’s fundraising events. (Many involve delicious food.)
5. Purchase a merchant ticket.
6. Make a memorial donation.
7. Participate in the walk activities.
8. Pray for the cancer patients.
9. Join a team or form you own.
10. Mark your calendar for June 14.

Who receives the money? It Only Takes A Spark funds are used to assist over 100 patients every year in Grant County. Any cancer patient who lives in Grant County is eligible; he or she does not need to live in Milbank. Aaron Anderson, core committee member, emphasized this point, “Patients receiving financial assistance live in the rural areas as well as in all of the communities in the county.”

Where does the money go? The money is used to pay travel and housing expenses during out-of-town oncology appointments, co-payments, prescriptions, deductibles, and clinic and hospital expenses. According to Anderson, a five-year cancer survivor, the cancer walk funds ease the financial worries for a patient’s family at a crucial time in the process.

How does it all happen? As the proverb says, “Many hands make light work.” Ann Tuchscherer, a five-year core committee member, agrees, “It takes many volunteers to achieve the successful fundraising that takes place in Grant County.” She believes new ideas are necessary for continued success, and encourages all communities in Grant County to get involved.

Who do you call? Core members who oversee the ten fundraising teams include: Aaron Anderson (380-0503), Julie Landmark (690-8611), Lynn Wientjes (949-2702), Alex Pauli (949-2142) and Ann Tuchscherer (949-2287). Contact one of these members to donate an auction item or to create a team next fall.

The core committee will also be selecting two new members for the committee this fall. If interested, contact any core committee member.