ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE INSTITUTE

Jill Patterson carries local connections to the HI

By The hormel InsTITuTe, PhoTos ProvIded

For Jill Patterson, one of the few employees hired during COVID-19, it seems all roads led her to working at The Hormel Institute. Patterson, a graphics and web-design expert, gained her education locally and also her broad experience. She also has helped raise over $100,000 for the Institute through the Lyle Area Cancer Auction with her event “Crop for the Cure.”

“I remember sitting at the Lyle Area Cancer auction and thinking I needed to do something more to do my part,” said Patterson.

“One thing that I enjoy doing is holding scrapbooking workshops and retreats for my Creative Memories business. I thought if I could do a “Crop for the Cure” and scrapbook with friends while raising some money, it

would be a win-win.” Patterson and Creative Memories colleague Jodi Attig, whose father had passed away from cancer, organized the first “Crop for the Cure” fundraising event in 2008. Their goal was to get 20 people to attend - the first year 84 people attended and the event raised $3,500. Jill’s mom died from cancer just two months prior to that first event. Now about 60 people attend the event and Jill Patterson last year they raised $11,000. Another volunteer, Amanda Barber, also joined the organizing team. The main funds come from the registration fee, which covers table space, gifts, door prizes, meals and drinks. T-shirts and other items are custom designed and sold each year.

A popular silent auction grows larger every year, according to Patterson, with items brought in by attendees or local businesses. The unique scrap bookers’ garage sale is a big hit with “one scrappers’ junk another’s treasure” and the group also adds new activities like $1-a-minute chair massages. Popular annual traditions such as Pixi Stix Races continue.

“Jill is an example of the heart and soul behind the Eagles Cancer Telethon and Lyle Area Cancer Auction’s success,” said Teresa Chapman, director of the Eagles Cancer Telethon. The Eagles Cancer Research Telethon has donated over $17 million to cancer research at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic.

“Like all of us, she wants to do as much as possible to stop this disease that hurts so many. We will love seeing her at The Hormel Institute and knowing she is doing even more to help support cancer research.”

Patterson is a Communications Associate and will work in graphic design, printing, website management, social media, photography and will also support event planning for conferences and meetings for The Hormel Institute’s Development and Public Relations department.

“I feel like all roads have led me here,” said Patterson.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer and now I can use my skills to support cancer research directly. My experience in helping with Lyle Area Cancer and the Crop for the Cure is a bonus.”

Jill Patterson, along with Larry Ricke, hold up a dollar amount raised from Crop for the Cure.

Crop for the Cure

The 13th Annual Crop for the Cure is scheduled for November 13-15. The event is held at the Carpenter Community Center in Carpenter, IA. For details, search “Crop for the Cure” on Facebook - new people are welcome!