December 8, 2021 | News & Press Releases
DES MOINES, IA – (Dec. 2, 2021) – Today, Pinky Swear Foundation is announcing several fundraisers to help support kids with cancer this holiday season. Now through Sunday, Dec. 12, all Hy-Vee stores across the company’s eight-state region will collect donations at the checkout to help support children and families impacted by cancer. In addition, the annual 2021 WHO Pinky Swear Radiothon, presented by Dean Snyder Construction, is scheduled for Friday, December 10. The Radiothon aims to spread awareness and raise crucial funds to support Pinky Swear Foundation’s mission and assist those throughout Iowa and across the country.
On Dec. 10, NEWS RADIO 1040 WHO will again devote an entire day to on-air fundraising for the organization and the families it serves. The 2020 radiothon event raised more than $225,000, more than any year previous, and the 2021 event is projected to raise even more support for families with a child battling cancer.
Each year, one in 11 families with a child diagnosed with cancer files for bankruptcy. Pinky Swear Foundation supports families of children with cancer through direct financial aid for basic needs and through experiences that offer emotional support for the entire family.
“The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for the families Pinky Swear Foundation serves,” said Erica Campbell, executive director for Pinky Swear Foundation. “While many families are focused on buying gifts, families overwhelmed by a childhood cancer diagnosis are focused on keeping their mortgage paid and food on the table.”
In addition to the radiothon, Pinky Swear Foundation is excited to announce a continued partnership with Hy-Vee, through a register round-up event now through Dec. 12 across Hy-Vee’s more than 285 stores. The money raised at the checkout of each store will provide assistance for basic needs and experiences that create emotional support to impacted families. This assistance includes non-medical expenses like mortgage and rent, transportation, utilities, gas and groceries.
“We have partnered with Pinky Swear Foundation for several years because we believe in their mission to help children with cancer,” said Tina Potthoff, senior vice president of communications for Hy-Vee. “By partnering with our customers to support this worthy cause, we hope to raise thousands of dollars so we can help families focus on what’s most important – taking care of their child who is ill – versus worrying about every day expenses.”
About Pinky Swear Foundation
Founded in 2003, Pinky Swear Foundation is a national 501c(3) nonprofit headquartered in Edina, MN passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families with financial and emotional assistance. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include a variety of community engagement and fundraising events around the nation, raising more than $17.5 million to-date. To learn more, visit pinkyswear.org.
About Dean Snyder Construction
Dean Snyder Construction is a family, and now also employee-owned general contractor, construction manager and design-build firm, established in 1958. Dean Snyder provides services to the commercial, food and beverage processing, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and healthcare markets. With over 200 employees between their Clear Lake, Ankeny, and Omaha offices, Dean Snyder Construction has the capabilities to self-perform concrete, industrial millwright, carpentry, steel and precast erection, masonry, and more. Dean Snyder Construction contributes to a variety of organizations, and is proud to partner with WHO Radio on the Annual Pinky Swear Radiothon.
About Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 285 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $12 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 3 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 91,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.
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