ONE LAST AUCTION

Blooming Prairie businesswoman and current Blooming Prairie Cancer Group treasurer Cheri Krejci once confided to a newspaper reporter that she is “really shy.”

In gauging her familiarity with the community, though, she would say that she knows half of the Blooming Prairie populous.

Krejci recently made public her decision to step down as Blooming Prairie Cancer Group treasurer at the end of 2024. She has logged 22 years as a volunteer with the group. She admitted that the stress has gotten “to be too much” for her and said she received a “wakeup call” last year during the second night of the annual two-day auction.

“I had to leave and go home to bed,” she said.

After trying to split responsibilities with other cancer volunteers, Krejci found out that didn’t work.

“I just have to walk away,” she said, adding she has been involved in most of the Cancer Group’s functions. “I can’t handle the stress.”

Krejci said she feels blessed to have fought against the dreaded disease, which has touched her life and the lives of her loved ones.  

“I have loved every minute of my work with the Cancer Group,” she said.

After her departure, it is likely that responsibilities will again be divided, this time by Connie Trom, Lexi LaMontagne, and Mandy Doocy.

Jennifer Milton, who joined 23 years ago, introduced Krejci to the BP Cancer Group. With the loss of her parents and the loss of a “very close friend and classmate,” Beth Ohnstad, and her own diagnosis of cancer, Krejci decided to get involved. 

Auction in September

The BP Cancer Group’s two-day auction takes place the first weekend after the Labor Day weekend. It is their most lucrative fundraiser and will be held this year Sept. 6-7.

One of the weirder donations has been a “Great Goat giveaway.” Matt Braaten was the first recipient. He then sold it to Betty Johnson.

Kevin Christianson helped manage a carrier pigeon race.

Another memorable moment in BP Cancer Group history was creation of the Community Fund. It provides direct help to patients and their families cover expenses.

“We help anyone who requests help,” Krejci said.

The BP Group surpassed the million-dollar donation mark in 2021 and has surpassed Geneva and Lyle in donations to the annual Eagles Telethon.

Eunice Coughlin founded the BP Cancer Group. The Field of Flags was started in 2012 with the group renting 75 poles from the Zumbrota American Legion. Now, the Cancer Group flies 250 flags near the junction of Highway 218 and Main Street to raise awareness. 

The annual Cancer Auction has offered many interesting items over the years, including a miniature BP fire truck donated by Darrell and Cindi Hansen and a week’s stay at the Koster family property in Florida. Former BP Mayor and BPHS art teacher H. Peterson donated a wood carving called “Ole.”

Food items donated in the past include caramel and cinnamon rolls donated by the Krejci family, a fancy two-layer cake from Sue Helgeson, and Judy Lestrud’s cookie jars filled with chocolate chip cookies.

Since 2017, the annual fundraiser has also asked participants to donate gas cards and parking passes to help those fighting cancer.

Community force

Krejci is convinced that the Cancer Group is a force in the community.

“The Cancer Group opened up a lot of eyes about research,” she said, adding the group has donated thousands to the Hormel Institute for research.

Krejci said she cannot take credit for the Cancer Group success.

She has worked hours and hours at Krejci Ford in addition to her Cancer Fund projects and working at every event.

Krejci hopes to spend more time with her grandchildren: Nolan, 5, and twins Bonnie and Kaylee, 2. Parents are Lindsey and Ryan. Another recent addition to the grandchildren roster is Cal, 3 months. His parents are Aaron and Brooke.
 

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Paint the Town Pink

• 23^rd annual cancer auctions

• Thursday-Saturday

• Big Tent- west side of Main Street

• Benefits Blooming Prairie Cancer Group

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