In 2010 Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC) set out to make an impact in a fight that affects so many around us – cancer. Cancer attacks our moms, dads, sisters and brothers, the local farmer, doctor, grocery store clerk, teacher…our children. SMBSC sponsors events that are geared towards the fight for cancer-free communities.
Every June Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative hosts it’s annual Running to a Sweet Beet 5K Run/Walk. SMBSC is the sole sponsor of the event, underwriting the cots and ensuring all registration fees are turned over to Renville County Walk in the Park, formerly known as Relay for Life. Running to a Sweet Beet is held in conjunction with Renville Sugar Beet Days. The morning is centered on hope, health and stewardship.
In 2010, our employees made a commitment to do more. Our inaugural race hosted 53 participants. Over the past years, support from the community has grown. In its lifetime, the Running to a Sweet Beet has raised nearly $66,000 and has a record setting 282 participants! Every single dollar has been donated in the fight against cancer. It has been given in the hope that we can contribute to freeing our loved ones from this evil disease. In the hope that one more child doesn’t lose their life much too young. Thank you to the past runner, walkers, volunteers, and partners for continuing to choose to make steps towards the finish-line of cancer-free communities!
Consider running to a sweet beet individually or as a team. The chip-timed race features an opening and closing ceremony as well as age division awards. The Sweet Beet 5K is a part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series and is very family-friendly. With your help, we can raise even more money to eradicate cancer, which has touched all of us in someway. See you on the starting line on June 8, 2024!
Renville County Walk in the Park is a fun-filled night designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for cancer research, community support and support of Hope Lodge. Prior to and during the event, teams fundraise for money supporting this cause. Throughout the evening, teams of people gather in Olivia’s Nester Park and take turns walking around the luminary-lit streets including the celebrated “Survivor Lap.”
Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative participates in Renville County’s Walk in the Park by sponsoring a walking taco food stand as well as the prize ceremony. SMBSC is proud to say we have contributed to this needed cause.
