The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Fortress Bank, with headquarters in La Harpe, has made a donation of $5,000 to Hancock County Fights Cancer.
"Two weeks ago the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago announced a COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. As a member of the FHLB Chicago, Fortress Bank applied for and was awarded $20,000 grant funding," according to bank president, Andy Bastert.
"I'm happy to say that Fortress Bank has selected Hancock County Fights Cancer to receive $5,000."
Hancock County Fights Cancer was one of four recipients selected by Fortress Bank to each receive $5,000.
In other service regions, organizations receiving grant funding from Fortress included Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters (Peoria), Des Moines Fire House, and Quad Cities Golf Classic Charitable Foundation.
This gift comes at a great time for Hancock County Fights Cancer. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, HCFC was not able to hold their annual summer event that honors cancer survivors and creates cancer awareness, noted HCFC president, Cynthia Stewart.
"While we are not holding our summer event, teams have been working all year to raise money and that will continue to the end of our fiscal year July 15. This gift from Fortress bank is a great boost in our fundraising efforts."
Sixty percent of funds raised by HCFC this year will go to HUGS, the Hancock County cancer support group, and 40 percent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., with an affiliate in Peoria.
HUGS provides financial support to people in Hancock County currently being treated with cancer. St. Jude conducts ground-breaking research on childhood cancers and gives treatment at no cost to the patients' families.
"The needs of those organizations do not stop," Stewart said. "We hope others will follow this great example of Fortress Bank and continue to support Hancock County Fights Cancer this year."
Those who want to make a donation to HCFC can go to the website, hancockcountyfightscancer.org. Or donations can be made directly to any of these teams.
Angel of Kindness,
Bowen Bankers, Christine Roberts, 217-242-1282
Conn Communications, 319-524-8722
Carthage Vet Service, "Squeal for a cure", 217-357-2811
Fortress Bank, Kim Taylor, "Calling for a Cure", 217-357-3112
Hancock County Republican Woman, Kris Pilkington, 217-430-4724
Lifesavers, Neva Eads, 319-795-4985
Marine Bank, Ena Swartz, 217-357-3151
Memorial Hospital, "Healthcare for a Cure", Cynthia Stewart, 217-357-8563
Running for Tess, Joy Swearingen, 217-357-4989
Whooters, Nauvoo area, Diane Adkisson, 309-337-6284.
Fortress Bank donated $5,000 to HANCOCK COUNTY FIGHTS CANCER. Kim Taylor and Bank President Andy Bastert of Fortress bank are handing the check over to three HCFC representatives: from left Kris Pilkington, Joy Swearingen and (left of Bastert) Cynthia Stewart.