By Ayanna Eckblad
After a successful year of fundraising, Musicians Against Cancer will head into its second year of supporting cancer patients and their families.
Musicians Against Cancer is a year-long fundraiser in which various shows and fundraisers are held in the southern Minnesota and northern Iowa area. Donations go to the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps people going through cancer treatment with financial needs such as gas money and meals.
The Blooming Prairie Cancer Group has helped over 500 people in the southern Minnesota and northern Iowa area and has given away about $65,000.
Their goal, according to their website, is to help people know they are not going through cancer alone.
Musicians Against Cancer started when musician Todd Utpadel of Hollandale made the decision to help people who are going through the disease.
“I decided … that I wanted to donate all my tips to go to people battling cancer,” he said, “And it snowballed from there.”