Not only did a downtown Great Bend business raise money for Heartland Cancer Center (HCC) patients, its fundraising activity gave other entities the opportunity to do the same.

          Beautiful Beginnings, 1523 Main, hosted the fundraiser in partnership with Brighton, whose products include necklaces, earrings and other accessories. The store donated 10 percent of all Brighton sales during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

          The $225 was recently delivered to HCC.

          In addition, Beautiful Beginnings sold cancer-awareness shirts on behalf of the Western Kansas Football League. A portion of those proceeds also went to HCC.

          A special drawing for a Brighton handbag resulted in a $75 contribution to the Rhonda Klug Memorial at the cancer center. Marilyn Ricke of Hoisington received the handbag.

          Jennifer Klepper, Beautiful Beginnings owner, said these partnerships with other organizations made the events successful.

          “These activities were a wonderful way to raise money for local cancer patients,” Klepper said. “Everyone had a good time, while knowing they were helping their neighbors who are going through a difficult time.

          “We appreciate everyone who helped in any way,” Klepper said. “This was a real team effort to support our local cancer center and the patients who rely on it.”

          HCC is part of the St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center family. St. Rose is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices, and home-care and hospice services.