The Miracles of Mitch Foundation
Our program on Valentine’s Day was presented by The Miracles of Mitch Foundation, located in Chanhassen.
Mitchell Chepokis was a nine-year old victim of cancer. He died in April, 2003. The Christmas before his death, he asked his family to donate all of his money and gifts to the other kids in the cancer ward because many of them were without the strong support system that he had. From this act the foundation was born. There is a long list of sponsoring organizations, including Cargill and Chanhassen Rotary, that help the foundation provide funds for support of the families of cancer victims. The families are provided with financial aid so they can visit and encourage their child; summer camps are provided, fully staffed medically, so that the kids can have a week at camp; and individual families are given a “Pampered in Pink Weekend” (remember that promotion?) at a hotel adjacent to the Mall of America.
In 2004, the group sponsored a Kids’ Triathlon and 300 kids participated. The event has really grown, and raised $600,000 last year. This year the goal is $750,000, and the triathlon event is now held in two locations: on August 4th at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, and on August 18th at Lake Ann in Chanhassen. The format is the standard sponsorship event with kids raising money by pledges. Kids from 6 to 17 participate in the event, and every finisher gets a medal at an afternoon award ceremony. The day of the event is filled with activities that kids enjoy.
They also have a Twins baseball event, and a gala dinner fundraiser on New Year’s Eve every year.
Check out their website: www.miraclesofmitch.com.