Lighting the Way for The Race Against Breast Cancer

Exemplifying the cooperative principle of concern for community, FreeState Electric Cooperative employees and trustees give their largest donation yet as part of the CoBank Sharing Success Program.

The transformative power of philanthropy sparked raw emotion on July 12 when FreeState Electric Cooperative employees and the board of trustees donated $25,074 to The Race Against Breast Cancer. 

The significant donation will bolster the race's efforts to provide critical resources, support services, and programming that are instrumental in improving the lives of individuals impacted by breast cancer. 

The cooperative began raising funds internally in May for the annual fundraiser. Each April, non-profit organizations in the FreeState service territory apply to be selected as the designated charitable partner for the year. Employees select a charity, and the internal fundraising efforts begin when the board of trustees challenges employees to donate.  

CoBank, FreeState's lender, enhances the annual giving program. CoBank's Sharing Success program has given millions of dollars to rural communities through a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. FreeState exceeded the match, raising $15,074 before the $10,000 match. RABC received a check for $25,074.  

"Every single one of our employees and trustees participated," said CEO Chris Parr. For the past 11 years, FreeState employees and trustees have raised more than $80,000.  

Parr added that last year's gift to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas allowed employees to give more than funds by participating in events and programs like Meal Makers. This year, The Race Against Breast Cancer will partner with FreeState to expand the reach of breast cancer education and awareness - specifically, how it affects men.  

"Breast cancer is something that every one of our employees and trustees has been impacted by, and it does not discriminate," Parr said. "The participation levels show that we all understand breast cancer's impact on all of us." 

Breast cancer is a formidable adversary that affects not only those diagnosed but also their families, friends, workplaces, and communities. Parr recognized this impact, expressed his unwavering dedication to supporting breast cancer initiatives, and emphasized the importance of early detection and the cooperative's commitment to rallying its employees and trustees to raise funds and fighting for the cause.

"Our employees and trustees came together to raise funds internally because we wholeheartedly believe in the race's mission," said Parr. "This race against breast cancer is one we fully support." 

The gift of $25,074 will help fund RABC's no-cost mammography program. The program aims to provide vital mammography screenings to individuals in medical and financial need across Northeast Kansas. 

“We can’t do what we do without the support of our communities,” said Dawn Robertson, RABC administrator, who was blown away by the gift cooperative employees and trustees presented. “All of these funds stay local, the lives touched of not only men and women, but their families.”  

“The impact of this gift is incredible,” Robertson added. “The early detection and education this will assist with is vital.”  

The program has been instrumental in providing accessible screenings to individuals who may not otherwise have the means to undergo this vital examination. By removing financial barriers, RABC ensures that residents in Northeast Kansas can access timely and potentially life-saving mammograms. FreeState's substantial contribution will enable the organization to continue expanding its outreach. 

Breast cancer is a pressing public health concern, and it requires the concerted efforts of organizations, businesses, and the community to combat its impact effectively. FreeState's remarkable commitment to breast cancer awareness sets an inspiring example for others.  

"This is the cooperative difference," said Parr. "Empowering individuals and families to fight and run the race." 

Check out this short video clip.