St. Cloud Toyota Funds Entire Event to Maximize Donations for Local Cancer Support at Inaugural Make A Difference Run/Walk

(KNSI) – A local car dealership is stepping up to the plate to ensure a new fundraiser for a local cancer non-profit is a success.

Saturday is the first annual Make A Difference Run/Walk in St. Joseph, featuring a timed 5K race for adults and a 1K for kids. The children’s race will have a superhero theme, and participants can show up in costume. The races will start and end at All Saints Academy. There will also be bounce houses and family fun activities.

St. Cloud Toyota sponsors the event with the funds going to support the INDY Foundation. Organizers say most runs barely break even because the money raised from registration and sponsorships usually cover the cost of the event, leaving very little for charity. Toyota Finance Manager Mitch Evens asked his company to help out. “Why don’t we do it a little differently? Why don’t we have St. Cloud Toyota pay all of the operational expenses, so every single penny of all the registration, all of the donations, all of that money is actually going straight to INDY.” Sponsors are donating the shirts, timing equipment and paying for all the needed permits.

INDY is an acronym for I’m Not Done Yet. The Waite Park-based non-profit is dedicated to supporting people during their cancer battle by helping with financial needs. All types of cancer, age groups, genders, races, and religions within the state are eligible for support.

Evens explained to KNSI News why they picked the foundation. “INDY is actually giving money to people in our community that are dealing with it. They’re actually helping people make mortgage payments, car payments, bring their kids places they need to be, [and] live their lives. I can’t imagine being in a situation where you’re dealing with cancer, and you still have to worry about your bills.”

When the race is done, there’s an after-party at Bad Habit Brewing in St. Joe. There are only a few more days to get your name on the list to help raise money for those being treated for cancer in central Minnesota. There is also race day registration, but participants probably won’t be able to get a t-shirt.

To register and for more information, click here.

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