Cancer Walk to Donate $40,000 towards 3D Mammography Machine

by Core Committee | Jun 2, 2016 | News

Cancer Walk to Donate $40,000 towards 3D Mammography Machine
Milbank, SD – June 2, 2016

It Only Takes A Spark has donated $40,000 to Northeast South Dakota Healthcare Foundation towards the purchase of the new 3D mammography machine the Milbank Area Hospital Avera recently acquired. The core committee met with teams about plans back in March after hospital administrator, Natalie Gauer, discussed some of the new equipment needs at the hospital. “With the teams doing a majority of the fund raising efforts, we wanted their input to what the board was considering” stated Matt Scott, Core Committee member. “The best way for patients to have a greater chance of being a cancer survivor is with early detection” Matt continued. “Knowing we can have some of the latest technology in our community is a great step forward in fighting breast cancer. With early detection, it should considerably help a better prognosis and treatment plans for patients.” Gauer stated “We are striving to be a leader in women’s health in our area and offer state-of-the-art technology. We are grateful to receive this donation as it makes a considerable difference as we work to positively affect the health of our community.  We thank those who were a part in raising this money and assure them this outstanding technology will affect many people in our area.”

Funds for such donations were earmarked over the past couple years by the core committee. Each year 20% of the funds raised are typically designated towards efforts with cancer-related equipment, services, or even cancer research. Most recently, a portion of those funds purchased the treatment chairs currently used at the hospital for patients receiving chemotherapy. We’ve also been supporting the local Cancer Support Group held at the Milbank Area Hospital Avera. “Knowing that we are assisting patients with cancer related expenses and enabling our healthcare services with state-of-the-art technology is a move we all can appreciate,” Matt concluded.

Each year the It Only Takes A Spark group hosts an annual Cancer Walk in Milbank to raise funds for cancer diagnosed patients of Grant County, South Dakota. A minimum of 70% of those funds goes to cancer diagnosed patients by reimbursing those expenses, supplying gas cards, etc. through an annual application process. The remaining 10% or up to $10,000 goes towards operating expenses.

The Core Committee includes Angie Johnson, Amanda Cummins, Matt Scott, Ann Tuchscherer, and Aaron Anderson. The group is very busy gearing up with our next walk on June 10 as eleven teams and the core committee host our 19^th Annual It Only Takes A Spark Cancer Walk. It’s also never too late about starting a new team for 2017. If anyone is interested, they are encouraged to contact us. Those interested in applying for funds or are looking for more information about It Only Takes A Spark should check out our website at https://takesaspark.org and following us on our Facebook page.

– It Only Takes A Spark Core Committee

• 2016 Timeline for June 10

Great Giveaway 2016

by Core Committee | Apr 10, 2016 | News

A great time was had at the 5th Annual Great Giveaway hosted by the Cancer Walk core committee. The night started with a social hour and then a meal at the Speedway Event Center in Milbank. Congrats to all the winners and our thanks to those who purchased tickets for the event to raise over $5000 for the cancer walk. Sponsors who donated prizes were greatly appreciated and complete prize winners provided below.

Cash Winners – $1667 Each (they all decided to split when we got to the Top 3)

Left to Right: Amy VanLith, Dana Johnson, & Diane Cummins

Sponsors

Much thanks goes out to the area businesses that donated items towards our event! Your Donations Are Appreciated!!!!

• Tranquil Touch Massage
• Healthy Kneads Massage
• Speedway
• Milbank Chamber of Commerce
• Kampen’s Photography
• First Bank & Trust
• Shady Beach Grill House & Pasta
• Porter Distributing Company
• Valley Liquor
• Valley Queen Cheese Factory
• Golf Addiction Sioux Falls/Fargo
• Thrivent Financial
• KMSD Radio
• Shape Wrap & Roll
• Lantern Inn
• Pat Raffety
• Amy VanLith
• Farrell Auction

Complete List of Winners

Donation to Milbank Avera Cancer Support Group

by Core Committee | Mar 2, 2016 | News

It Only Takes A Spark recently donated $2500 to the Milbank Avera Cancer Support Group to continue their efforts in educating and supporting those individuals and families affected by cancer.
We thank those with the Milbank Avera Cancer Support group coordinators Corrine McCulloch (left) and Bridget Johnson (right) for all they do with this!

Looking for Sponsors for 2016

by Core Committee | Jan 4, 2016 | News

DID YOU KNOW: Currently, It Only Takes a Spark is helping approximately 60 individuals with cancer-related expenses. As the year progresses, this number may grow in excess of 90 as approximately three new patients are added every month. Each year, a minimum 70% of the funds raised by the Cancer Walk stay within the greater Grant County area to support those diagnosed with a cancer-related illness. Our board also recently aided (up to 20% of our delegations through funds raised) in local needs with contributions towards our local Cancer Support Group and towards purchasing chemo treatment chairs for the hospital.

“It Only Takes A Spark” Cancer Walk is made possible in a number of ways including teams that fundraise throughout the year, luminaries that are sold and light the path the evening of the Cancer Walk (to be held June 10-11), memorial donations given throughout the year and businesses that sponsor the Cancer Walk at various dollar levels. These dollar sponsorships are specifically given by the businesses themselves, and in return the businesses receive newsprint/radio advertising and Cancer Walk recognition for that dollar amount sponsorship.

Over the past years, this event has not only raised funds for local cancer patients and their families, but it has served as a major function within this community for individuals to make a difference in fighting the war against cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in South Dakota. It is only one battle, but it is a battle we here in Grant County continue to fight, one lap at a time, one dollar at a time, one year at a time, and one hug at a time!! No one is left untouched by cancer.

Listed below are the Sponsorship Levels and the dollar amounts businesses must donate to receive the specific recognition. The various “rewards” for their donation are also listed. If possible, we would appreciate sponsorships in by March 31, 2016.

TORCHBEARER – For the sponsorship amount of $1,000 your business will receive the benefits of:
* Staff photo and name in 1 newspaper advertisement and other publicity (homepage of website)
* Tagged on all radio advertisements
* Your corporate/business logo or name on 1 major banner located at the event
* An “It Only Takes A Spark” Business Window Poster identifying you as a TORCHBEARER Sponsor

ILLUMINATOR – For the sponsorship amount of $500 your business will receive the benefits of:
* Name of business on advertisement, website reference, and other publicity
* Tagged on all radio advertisements
* An “It Only Takes A Spark” Business Window Poster identifying you as an ILLUMINATOR Sponsor

HEARTWARMER – For the sponsorship amount of $300 your business will receive the benefits of:
* Name of business on ½ pg. advertisement and website reference
* An “It Only Takes A Spark” Business Window Poster identifying you as a HEARTWARMING Sponsor

TRAILBLAZER – A business contributing money, services or product under $300 will receive an “It Only Takes A Spark” Business Window Poster identifying it as a TRAILBLAZER sponsor.

If you would like to become a sponsor or have questions regarding sponsorships, please call Angie Johnson (605-949-2155) or Matt Scott (605-467-9689). Thank you for supporting the Cancer Walk in Grant County!

Board Members: Angie Johnson, Ann Tuchscherer, Amanda Cummins, Aaron Anderson, & Matt Scott.

18th Annual It Only Takes A Spark Cancer Walk Results

by Core Committee | Jun 16, 2015 | News

Total Raised: $138,400*

We couldn’t have asked for a better night to hold our 18th Annual It Only Takes A Spark Cancer Walk. Much appreciation and thanks needs to go out to all our teams and volunteers for this years walk. Without them and the great people of Grant County, we couldn’t raise such funds. A HUGE Thank You again to all of you! Nearly 2700 luminaries sold! See our article in the Grant County Review for all the highlights!

Nothing can express the pure joy with the monies raised this year and how many lives in Grant County it will impact through your generosity and continued support. Check out our photo gallery here!

* The amount includes some various estimates from additional parties, but is believed to be a good representation of funds raised this year. It was an absolutely AMAZING year!!!

Team Awards

• Team Spirit – The Life Savers (St Williams/Whetstone Insurance)
• Fundraising Year Round – The Life Savers
• Creative Campsite – Candy Land Cancer Crushers (State Auto)
• Corporate Fundraising Team – The Life Savers
• Non-Corporate Fundraising Team – Bulldogs Fighting Cancer (Milbank School District)

Balloon Launcher Winners

Emma VanVooren and Tyler Sessler were the only ones to hit the target. Congrats on your achievement and each will receive $50 in Ol Mill Bucks! We will work to make a target bigger to allow a better chance at winning the prize.

We have many people to thank!

MC: Duane Tillman
Picnic: Trevett’s Cafe and Family, Hartman’s Family Foods, Ol’ Mill Meats, Waldner Meats, Milbank Kiwanis Club, Valley Queen, & Beren’s Warehouse Groceries
National Anthem: Bobbi Meyer
Color Guard: 740th Transportation Company
Honorary Chair: Cheryl Pauli

We Thank Our Teams

United Pride

Sponsors of It Only Takes A Spark Cancer Walk

Torchbearer

Illuminator
Bien Pharmacy
Dakota Granite
First Bank and Trust
Flower Shoppe
Food N Fuel
Linda’s Fashions
Northside Medical Center
State Auto Insurance
Valley Dairy Supply
Valley Rental & Recycling
Wells Fargo
Whetstone Storage

Heartwarmer
Bobbi Bohlen
Conroy Eye Care
Great Western Bank
Hicks Construction
Insurance Solutions Plus
Jamey Jurgens
Johnson Dental
Midwest Powersports Inc.
Milbank Eye Care
Mundwiler Funeral Home
Otter Tail Power Co.
Window World

Trailblazer
Super 8
T&T Heating & A/C
Bierschbach Dental
Chiropractic In Motion
Wilbur-Ellis
ITC
Mirror Perfections
NOBS Boot Camp
Trapp Plumbing Co.
Unzen Motors
Hunt Chiropractic
Whetstone Valley Electric
Edward Jones (Hackwith)
Brewster Building Center
Midland Publishing

Merchant Ticket Winners

Much Thanks To These Individuals & Businesses!

2015 Cancer Walk Sponsors

by Core Committee | Jun 1, 2015 | News

We can’t thank our sponsors of the 2015 Cancer Walk enough. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Torchbearer

Avera Medical Group Milbank/Big Stone Therapies
Grant County Review
Montage
Popper’s/Betty’s Fireworks/Roger & Irene McCulloch
Stengel Seed & Grain Co
Thrivent Financial
Twin Valley Tire
Valley Office Products

Illuminator

Bien Pharmacy
Dakota Granite
First Bank and Trust
Flower Shoppe
Food N Fuel
Linda’s Fashions
Northside Medical Center
State Auto Insurance
Valley Dairy Supply
Valley Rental & Recycling
Wells Fargo
Whetstone Storage

Heartwarmer

Bobbi Bohlen
Conroy Eye Care
Great Western Bank
Hicks Construction
Insurance Solutions Plus
Jamey Jurgens
Johnson Dental
Midwest Powersports Inc.
Milbank Eye Care
Mundwiler Funeral Home
Otter Tail Power Co.
Window World

Trailblazer

Super 8
T&T Heating & A/C
Bierschbach Dental
Chiropractic In Motion
Wilbur-Ellis
ITC
Mirror Perfections
NOBS Boot Camp
Trapp Plumbing Co.
Unzen Motors
Hunt Chiropractic
Whetstone Valley Electric
Edward Jones (Hackwith)
Brewster Building Center
Midland Publishing