The sixth annual Cancer Survivors’ Dinner at Faith Lutheran Church in Becker looked a little different this year. Attendees were unable to have a formal, sit-down dinner inside the church as they usually do, due to concerns about spreading COVID-19 among this community of people who already have weakened immune systems. Instead, organizers got creative and formed a cancer survivor drive-thru.

Survivor Drive-Thru

Organizers and volunteers handed out lots of goodies to survivors who came through the parking lot at Faith Lutheran Church. Rebecca’s Cafe in Becker donated sandwiches, and many other local businesses donated gift cards. Survivors also received goodie bags, filled with snacks and knick-knacks, and delicious fruit baskets. Attendees drew a lottery for other donated prizes.

The volunteers were very careful to follow COVID-19 guidelines. All adorned masks, as did the attendees who came through, and all the items were placed carefully in the backseats of the cars to avoid contact. This year, 52 survivors and their guests came through to grab their goodies and go.

History of the Event

Fran Seeley and Bev Knutson organized the event and events past. Seeley lost her daughter to cancer, and so she wanted to start a dinner for survivors. All the survivors meet informally throughout the year, and have one annual dinner. Organizers Knutson and Seeley never specifically bring up cancer, or actively encourage any attendees to discuss the disease, but many find it helpful to be around other people who know what it is like to fight the cancer battle, and the topic tends to come up naturally. Knutson stated that the event was not about feeling sad about dealing with cancer, or to focus on the negatives, but rather to celebrate the fact that these people are still living and still fighting.

Donors and Volunteers

Donors for the event include Becker and Clear Lake Lions; Progressive Builders; Chad’s Auto; Sherburne State Bank; Hubbard Electric; Von Hansen’s Snacks; Norm’s Farm Market; Becker and Clearwater Holiday Stations; L.P.I.; The Brickyard; Food Pride; Rebecca’s Cafe; Arby’s, Taco John’s, and Culvers of Monticello; Monticello Printing; Mille Lacs Lake Casino; St. Cloud Financial Credit Union; Falcon Bank of Foley; McDonald’s of Becker; and Becker City and Township.

Individual donors were Donnie and Gayle Hansen; Lena Strehlow; Karla Stavos; Don Haus; M.M. Sudie; Ann Johnson; Milissa Johnson; Jon Cox; Bev Knutson; and Fran Seeley. Volunteers included Lonny Seeley, Bud Stimmler, Jon Cox, Mike McDonald, Parker Seeley, Robin Boros, Bev Knutson and Fran Seeley. And, of course, organizers wanted to give a special thanks to Faith Lutheran Church for allowing them to use the parking lot.