Cancer Walk in Milbank Raises $274,000

Over 1900 luminaries lined the track and lit the way for the eight teams in the 2022 It Only Takes a Spark Cancer Walk on June 10. Each luminary honored a friend, family member, or co-worker who has died from cancer or is still battling the disease.

It Only Takes a Spark raised over $274,000 this year. According to Julie Landmark, one of the organizers of this year’s walk and president of its core committee, it is the highest amount raised in the charity’s 25-year history. The previous record was $164,000.

How did they reach this apex? Landmark says, “Teams work all year to raise money.”  Although the actual cancer walk in June is an important event for the community, it also serves as a culmination of months of effort. She says, “Each team does many fundraisers throughout the year — from luncheons to dart tournaments and online auctions.”

The team events combine with other community-wide events that contribute to the final total some of them include: The Merchants Fighting Cancer Raffle which raised $25,580; the silent auction which added $1455; the live auction which raised $4710, and the community picnic held on the night of the cancer walk which also added $1800. The Queen of Hearts Card Drawing held last summer yielded over $125,000. Landmark also noted an unexpected and generous donation of $12,000 came in from United Hardware on the morning of the cancer walk and got things off to great start! 

The money raised stays in Grant County and goes to residents who are suffering from cancer to help pay their expenses associated with out-of-town appointments, prescriptions, and clinic and hospital bills.