By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The Henning Hornet and Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverine fans turned spare change and loose money into a big donation for the Astera Health Oncology Unit last week.

During Tuesday’s home game between the Hornets and Wolverines, members of the Henning volleyball team dashed for cash during an intermission of the varsity game and raised $600 for the Astera Health Oncology Unit.

Each October the Henning volleyball team typically raises money, or does something special, for a member of the community in recognition of breast cancer awareness month. 

However, head coach Kristy Finck said the program was not aware of anyone in need this year so they decided to pivot and raise money for the cancer unit at Astera Health in Wadena instead. The result was volleyball players heading into the stands and collecting as much money as possible in just two minutes with the end result being $600. 

After the success of this year’s dash for cash, and after speaking with Amy Severson of Astera Health in Henning, Finck said the plan is to do a “Dash for Cash” at every home game in Henning next October. The money will then be put into an account that can be used for women who are being affected by breast cancer through the entire year, and not just in October. Some of the ideas that are currently being discussed would be to give individuals a gift basket, a devotional or even a pink scarf or blanket. 

Since there are typically several home games during the month of October, the hope is the event could generate quite a bit of money to help those battling breast cancer in the community during their time of need.