Cares for Cancer, based in Hankinson, N.D., has been selected as the recipient of a $25,000 Hometown Pride grant, presented by the Cenex® brand and Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley, based in Fairmount, N.D.
Cares for Cancer was nominated by Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley for the organization’s dedication to directly supporting local community members battling cancer and the families who care for them.
“Cancer is a devastating disease that can take over a person’s entire life,” says Keith Muehler, petroleum manager of Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley. “We are extremely grateful to work with Cenex to support organizations like Cares for Cancer.”
Since its founding in 2006, Cares for Cancer has helped those who have been diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses by providing financial support for medical treatment and transportation. As the group has grown from a small grassroots community effort to a dedicated crew of 28 community volunteers and a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so has its impact on local community members.
The organization’s work is funded solely by surrounding communities, businesses and individuals who often take a hands-on approach to organize initiatives and raise funds. Local efforts have ranged from lemonade stands and gumball sales in local schools to classic car shows and benefits organized by restaurants.
Cares for Cancer awards 10 $500 grants each month to help alleviate the burdens community members and their families experience as they battle illness. Now, the group will use its Cenex Hometown Pride 2.0 grant funds to make an even bigger impact, by awarding 10 additional $500 grants per month, for a total of 50 additional grants over the next five months, to community members in need.
“We are overjoyed to know that we are able to make even more of an impact within Hankinson, N.D., and the surrounding communities, thanks to Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley and Cenex,” says Tara Steffens, committee co-chair of Cares for Cancer. “Helping just one additional family would be wonderful, but to award 50 more people with grants means more to us than words can express.”
By the end of 2022, local organizations across the Cenex footprint will have received over $400,000 in Hometown Pride grants since the program first began in 2019. Whether it be a nonprofit organization, initiative, community service or tradition, Cenex works to fuel the community aspects driving positive change for their hometowns today and for generations to come.
“We take pride in fostering connections with local communities,” says Sarah Haugen, marketing communications director at CHS. “Through our Hometown Pride grant initiative, we are able to partner with our network of Cenex branded dealers to directly support the local organizations and commend the work they do for their community.”
