Your Generosity

Memorial softball raised money for generosity

Chad Pender was 25 when he was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine cancer and 25 when he died Sept. 2. Chad's brother Brian and his friend Kristen Woods organized a memorial softball tournament during the first week of October in Chad's name. After expenses the check was for $720. The check was given to the American Cancer Society's Memorial Hope Lodge on Dec. 2. Pictured from left are Chad's mother Rhonda Pender, Darlene from the Hope Lodge, his father Jim Pender and his brother Aaron Pender. Chad was based in Nashville, Tenn., as a traveling musician when he was diagnosed, so he went to the hospital and took some of his treatments there. Rhonda and Jim Pender had to take him for most of his treatments, which were usually one week a month. Eventually it become weekly in the last clinical trial. Chad decided to have Dr. Moseley of the Southeast Missouri Cancer Center head his treatment team. Chad took a few treatments here before he passed away. When he was taking treatments in Nashville, his parents stayed at the Memorial Hope Lodge at no charge.

Target's gifts bring cheer to Franklin Elementary

Deborah McCann, first-grade teacher at Cape Girardeau's Franklin Elementary School was thrilled watching her students putting on their new hats and gloves provided by the Cape Girardeau Target store recently. "Target is so generous," she said. "Their staff delivered enough gift bags for every first-grader at Franklin, and the kids loved it." The gift bags contained a hat, gloves and three snacks. McCann said the children wore their hats while writing thank-you notes to Target. Pictured from left are Sarah Pourney, first-grade teacher; Jackie Leal, Target representative; Whittney Carter, first-grade teacher; Tammy Knepp, Target representative; and McCann.

Nordenia USA holds Toys for Tots campaign

Nordenia USA recently ran a Toys for Tots campaign. Thanks to the Nordenia employees, a large number of gifts were collected.

Scott County Central High School receives $15,893 grant

Scott County Central High School received a check for $15,893 from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Co. The grant will be used to advance the school's science curriculum and materials and possibly influence students to pursue a career in the agricultural sciences.