Iowa energy connections // July
Spirit of Courage
No one should have to choose between paying the rent and getting cancer treatment.
But with an average cost of chemotherapy at well over $125,000, even patients with insurance can find fulfilling a 20% co-pay impossible.
That’s where the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Foundation comes in. On August 2-4 the Foundation aims to raise $150,000 during the annual Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to support local patients.
In the 17 years since the inception of the Spirit of Courage events, a total of $1.7 million has been raised for the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund. The fund provides assistance to uninsured and underinsured cancer patients who need help paying for medications, treatments, and deductibles as well as everyday living expenses such as grocers, rent and gas.
“Black Hills Energy has been instrumental in building this event to what it is today. This is our 17th year, and they’ve played a vital role since the very beginning. They were there on day one, helping with generous donations, staffing the event, and being the real boots on the ground to build the base for this event to succeed and help our community,”
“Black Hills Energy has been instrumental in building this event to what it is today. This is our 17th year, and they’ve played a vital role since the very beginning. They were there on day one, helping with generous donations, staffing the event, and being the real boots on the ground to build the base for this event to succeed and help our community,” said Tara Slevin, vice president of Develoment and Volunteer Services at the Jennie Edmundson Hospital Foundation.
The 3-day fundraising event includes a golf tournament the morning of Saturday, August 3, followed by a gala dinner and auction that evening. On Sunday, August 4, the events conclude with a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament.
“Without this type of help, these vulnerable members of our community might simply forgo treatment or medications,”
“Without this type of help, these vulnerable members of our community might simply forgo treatment or medications,” said Slevin. “We raise the money locally and distribute it locally to the people who need it the most.
The event also honors cancer survivors with the Spirt of Courage award. Attendees at the Spirit of Courage fundraising dinner and auction will hear about the award recipients’ journeys – and have the opportunity to help current and future cancer patients.
Tickets are still available at www.jehfoundation.org/events/spirit-of-courage/, or you can contact the Foundation by phone at 712-396-6040 or by email at jefoundation@nmhs.org.
Employee Spotlight: Nate Richardson, Black Hills Energy pipeline integrity coordinator
If Nate Richardson could choose a super power, it would probably be X-ray vision.
It might not sound as exciting as flying, invisibility or super strength, but it can save just as many lives.
Nate is a pipeline integrity coordinator for Black Hills Energy. And while he might not have superhuman powers to see through dirt and cement, he works every day to make sure gas lines underground are operating safely.
Nate focuses on keeping gas lines safe and reliable in two main ways. The first is to make sure all of Black Hills Energy’s gas pipes in Iowa are working well, with no corrosion or other risks that could cause leaks. The other is to make sure no one does harm to those pipes when digging.
“Whether you’re simply planting a tree or building a fence in your back yard, or excavating for a major building project, it’s important for everyone’s safety to call 811 or visit www.iowaonecall.com before you dig,”
“Whether you’re simply planting a tree or building a fence in your back yard, or excavating for a major building project, it’s important for everyone’s safety to call 811 or visit www.iowaonecall.com before you dig,” said Nate.
Nate has a long history of keeping pipelines safe, working on the frontlines of utility systems in Illinois and major pipelines throughout the country. He and his wife, Sara, and children Ramsey and Ryker moved to Iowa to join Black Hills Energy in 2017.
“We’ve never lived in an area where the people are this friendly and outgoing. These are the best people we’ve met. Moving to Iowa has been a great thing for our family,”
“We’ve never lived in an area where the people are this friendly and outgoing. These are the best people we’ve met. Moving to Iowa has been a great thing for our family,” said Nate.
If you’re heading to the State Fair next month, stop by to meet Nate at the Iowa One Call booth and learn more about his super skills to keep his family and community safe.
Call before you dig and enter to win
August 11 (8/11) is National Safe Digging Day. To recognize the importance of calling 811, we’re giving away Grizzly coolers!
After our wet spring, you may be in a hurry to get going on your projects now that the ground is finally drying up. But even though you’re in a rush, it’s important to stay safe. Knowing where the utility lines are before you dig helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient utility outages.
Calling 811 is free, safe, and it’s the law. All Iowans are required to notify the Iowa One Call System at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) prior to engaging in any type of digging or excavating.
To learn more about 811 and our Safe Digging Giveaway, click here!