Childhood Cancer Blog | Pinky Swear Foundation

KLN Family Brands Supports Families When They Need It Most

Written by Pinky Swear Foundation | Aug 30, 2023 9:15:47 PM

New Partnership with Pinky Swear Foundation Will Raise $1 Million for Families Affected by Pediatric Cancer

PERHAM, MINNESOTA (September 27, 2016) – KLN Family Brands announces a strategic partnership with Pinky Swear Foundation that will raise $1 million over five years to provide immediate needs support to families impacted by pediatric cancer. The funds contributed will consist of donations supported by their family of brands, including Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Liquorice and NutriSource Pet Foods.

“KLN Family Brands is proud to join Pinky Swear in their goal to reach every child struggling with cancer by the year 2020,” stated Charlie Nelson, president of KLN Family Brands. “Our priority is to continue a long tradition of giving back in support of our communities, both locally and throughout the United States. A partnership with Pinky Swear is a natural fit.”

The Minneapolis, MN-based Pinky Swear Foundation was founded in 2003 by Steve and Becky Chepokas in memory of their 9-year-old son Mitch who lost his battle with bone cancer just months prior. The foundation exists based on a pinky swear that Mitch and his dad made on Mitch’s last Christmas to continue to help kids with cancer and their families. Since its inception in 2003, Pinky Swear has raised more than $13 million to help support families whose children are bravely battling cancer across the U.S.

“It is a tremendous win for both organizations and even more so for the families we serve,” commented Pinky Swear Executive Director, Brian Nelson. “With the dedication and support of a company like KLN Family Brands, Pinky Swear can help more families across the country with non-medical expenses like rent and mortgage payments, auto payments and repairs, and getting food on the table. If we can take away a little stress during such a difficult time and help families focus on what’s most important – their child battling cancer – we are keeping Mitch’s pinky swear promise.”

Beginning October 1, 2016, consumers can support this initiative by purchasing any bag of Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Liquorice. Pet parents can also show their support for kids with cancer by purchasing specially-marked bags of NutriSource Pet Foods.

“Locally we’ve seen families benefit from the wonderful work of Pinky Swear,” Charlie Nelson explained. “It only further solidifies our commitment to the organization. We know firsthand the difference Pinky Swear makes in the lives of the families it serves.About KLN Family Brands

A third generation family owned company, KLN Family Brands is located in Perham, MN and is comprised of Tuffy’s Pet Food and Kenny’s Candy & Confections. Tuffy’s was the first KLN manufacturing facility introduced by the Nelson Family and has been proudly producing premium pet food since 1964 under brands such as NutriSource, Pure Vita, and Natural Planet. In 1987 KLN branched out into the world of sweets and Kenny’s Candy & Confections was born. Kenny’s is the candy factory responsible for great brands like Wiley Wallaby, Sweet Chaos, and other Candies and Confections. For more information on KLN and its brands, please visit www.klnfamilybrands.com.About Pinky Swear Foundation

Founded in 2003, The Pinky Swear Foundation is a 501c(3) not-for-profit passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families by being fanatically responsive to the immediate crisis facing families with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include the world’s largest kids fundraising triathlon events, National Pinky Swear Day on December 11, and other community engagement events around the nation. Visit www.pinkyswear.org for more information.Media Contacts

Jadi Anderson, Director of Marketing
Kenny’s Candy & Confections, A KLN Family Brands Company
Office (218) 346-1832
Mobile (218) 841-7046
jnanderson@klnfamilybrands.com

 

Jenny Peters, Director of Marketing
Pinky Swear Foundation
Office (952) 232-6395
Mobile (612) 916-3060
jenny.peters@pinkyswear.org