July 28, 2010 – EAST GRAND FORKS, MN The Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota is famous for its red potatoes, but this past year they were seeing pink. Red River Valley fresh potato growers and shippers were successful in raising over $80,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation this past season. Every bag of potatoes that was sold with a special pink ribbon Kwik Lok tag raised money for the organization.
Ted Kreis, from the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, and Red River Valley shipper Randy Boushey recently made a trip to the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas to present them with the big check.
Janelle Hail who is the founder and CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation said “As a result of the Red River Valley’s support, the National Breast Cancer Foundation is able to fulfill its mission to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. The promotion was a huge success, and we are honored by the effort and dedication put forth by each and every potato grower.”
Randy Boushey who operates A&L Potato in East Grand Forks, MN said, “Just about everybody personally knows of a person or family that has been affected by breast cancer, so we feel very good about raising money to fight this disease.”
Ten different Red River Valley shippers (A&L Potato, Associated Potato Growers, Folson Farms, JG Hall & Sons, NoKota Packer, Northern Valley Growers, OC Schulz & Sons, Peatland Reds, Ryan Potato Company, and Tri-Campbell Farms) voluntarily participated in the promotion which was administered by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.