Each of our Star Bank locations and our communities rallied around this campaign, contributing to its success in big ways. Special thanks go to Paul Cronen, our customer and friend, whose passion for cancer support and desire to make a difference sparked this effort—although we didn’t hit the $30,000 goal for him to cut his hair, the funds raised are sure to bring hope and assistance to countless families.
The following cancer support organizations will receive donations, each one chosen because of their deep personal significance to our employees and communities.
Big Stone County Cancer Support Group: The Big Stone County Cancer Support Group fights alongside local residents battling cancer. Your donation helps ease the burden for our friends and family by providing financial assistance for everyday needs during treatment
Cares for Cancer: Since 2006 Cares for Cancer has been aiding local residents in the eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota area struggling with cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Locks of Love: Locks of Love creates high-quality hairpieces for children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions, completely free of charge. Pinky Swear Foundation: Inspired by a brave 9-year-old boy, Mitch Chepokas, the Pinky Swear Foundation fights childhood cancer. Mitch, battling cancer himself, used his savings to bring joy to other children on the oncology floor. Before he passed away, he made a pinky swear with his dad to continue this mission. Today the Pinky Swear Foundation serves families with children facing cancer by offering financial support for housing, food, and transportation.
Princess Warrior: Jane Fiemeyer, the original Princess Warrior, had a dream to find a cure for cancer so that others wouldn't have to experience the pain and sadness that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Before she died, Jane shared a wish that her legacy would continue in many ways, one of that being a 5K event.
Shriners Hospital for Children: The Shriners Hospital for Children provides innovative treatments, advanced technology, and a supportive environment to children battling a wide range of pediatric conditions including childhood cancer.
St. Judes: St. Jude opened its doors in 1962 with the dream that “no child should die in the dawn of life." Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and they won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and innovative care. The Pink Flamingo Alliance:
The Pink Flamingo Alliance: The Pink Flamingo Alliance is a strong flock of women from the Eagle Bend and Clarissa area of Minnesota, brought together by a shared experience: cancer. Many of the members are survivors themselves, and some are still on their journeys. They have assisted hundreds of people fighting cancer by providing financial support through gift cards for groceries, gas, and even hotel bills during treatment.
It’s inspiring to see how each donation will fuel programs that offer support when it’s most needed. From providing financial relief to families to delivering smiles through high-quality hairpieces for children, every dollar raised is helping our neighbors in a real way. Thank you to everyone who joined the Be a Star for Cancer Care campaign—you’ve made a lasting impact!