Number of Participants: 220
Hours Donated: 7
Value of Time Served: $53,577
Event Amount Raised: $7,867
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Schools
School: Montevideo High School
Date: January 27, 2026
Location:
Montevideo High School
William Avenue, Montevideo
MN
About:
The 11th Annual ThunderHawks vs. Cancer fundraiser proved to be another tremendous success, bringing the school community together in support of a cause that continues to make a lasting impact. Across two home events held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, the ThunderHawks raised $7,867.36, with all proceeds donated to Minnesota River Valley Cancer Connections, supporting individuals and families in Chippewa and Yellow Medicine Counties.
Now in its 11th year, ThunderHawks vs. Cancer has become a deeply meaningful tradition. With this year’s contribution, the initiative has generated approximately $64,000 over the past decade-plus, helping fund vital cancer support services throughout the region.
The fundraiser takes place during the school’s annual Snow Week, a time when school spirit is at its peak and community involvement is on full display. This year’s events featured girls’ and boys’ basketball games, boys’ swimming, and performances by the GoldDuster Danceline team, creating an energetic and inclusive atmosphere that brought the entire community together.
In the weeks leading up to the event, ThunderHawks vs. Cancer t-shirts were sold to raise awareness and support. During each game night, the gym buzzed with excitement during the popular 75-Second Bucket Challenge, where students raced through the stands during a timeout collecting donations in five-gallon pails. The challenge alone raised an impressive $2,902 over the two nights.
Additional fundraising activities included raffle ticket sales for autographed jerseys donated by two former ThunderHawk athletes now competing at the collegiate level—Francis O’Malley (University of Minnesota Duluth football) and Avery Koenen (North Dakota State University basketball)—along with $100 gift cards generously donated by local businesses.
Fans of all ages also enjoyed the always-popular halftime airplane toss, where youth participants purchased paper airplanes for $1 and attempted to land them in a bucket at center court. Each night, approximately 100 elementary and middle school students took part, adding fun, energy, and engagement while supporting the cause.
The success of ThunderHawks vs. Cancer is made possible by a dedicated group of about 10 teachers, coaches, and retirees who organize and lead the event each year. Student involvement plays a key role as well. High school students assist with event promotion by creating posters and digital advertisements, while the school’s entire fourth-grade class—approximately 90 students—creates “Beat Cancer” posters that are proudly displayed throughout the gym. Each night, 15–20 high school students volunteer to run the Bucket Challenge, with additional students helping coordinate the airplane toss.
Through creativity, teamwork, and strong community involvement, ThunderHawks vs. Cancer once again demonstrated the powerful role athletics and activities can play in giving back. The continued success of this event reflects a shared commitment to compassion, service, and making a meaningful difference far beyond the scoreboard.
