April 10, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

The strongest partnerships thrive when values are shared. That’s one reason why the Avera Race Against Cancer thrives: It finds like-minded allies through businesses and organizations.

Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln is one corporate partner, having supported the event since 1998. Its owners and employees look forward to the next Race, which is May 11.

A Ford Mustang wrapped in the Avera Race Against Cancer logo is a familiar symbol of the annual event.

“We know our donations go to a good cause, and the investment will make big impacts in many lives,” said Ed Bloom, partner at Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln. “Supporting the community is a part of our culture; we know community support is central to Avera’s mission as well.”

Bloom said the 2023 Avera Race was a great event, and its numbers support his observation:

• The event raised more than $640,000 to benefit cancer survivors and their families.
• It included 6,400 combined runners and walkers, the largest ever number of participants.
• It was the first Avera Race to go beyond Sioux Falls to other communities, including Mitchell, Pierre and Yankton, and in Marshall, Minnesota.

To be successful, Bloom said strong values must go deep. “The Avera Race is one of our partners because our values are in the DNA of our company,” he said. “The Race is a great fit because almost everyone has had cancer touch their lives or the lives of their family.”

Bloom began his career in Sioux Falls in 2008. He’s part of a four-person ownership team at Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln, with wife Heidi and his sister-in-law and her husband, Gretchen and Mike Chaplin.

“We feel blessed to grow as part of a city that’s growing,” he said. “We develop our sponsorship ideas as a team, and we have employees across the board who take part, volunteer or donate.”

Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln employs about 425 people. A 10-person committee there considers opportunities to give back. They began sponsoring the Avera Race in 1998 and have continued to contribute every year since, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support those who trust Avera for their care and the care of their loved ones.

“Generous supporters like Ed and his colleagues are concrete examples of how philanthropic partners can help change lives across Avera,” said Dzenan Berberovic, chief philanthropy officer at Avera Health.

All funds stay local to assist local patients and families.

“The Avera Race Against Cancer is about patients, families, moms, dads and children,” Berberovic said. “It’s about a family that might need help getting to treatment or an appointment, and much more. We are humbled by the kindness shown to help the courageous people seeking our care each day.”

For Bloom, seeing employees demonstrate dedication to causes is motivating.

“It’s a good way to give back, and we’re excited for the Race again this spring,” said Tom Husman, the team leader of shipping and receiving at Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln. The 2024 event will mark the third time Husman and his wife, Jess, have joined the Race. They do so to honor those they love and miss.

Tom Husman and Ed Bloom are pictured in front of a wall at Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln displaying plaques that note various projects the company and its employees have supported.

“I run in memory of my mom, who I lost to cancer 11 years ago,” said Jess Husman, who works as an applications analyst with Avera’s IT team. “It’s personal for us.”

Tom Husman said knowing that his employer is willing to contribute to the city and its causes makes an impact with him. “The Race is just one way we can help others,” he said. “We run for the many who might not be able to.”

A Ford Mustang wrapped in an Avera Race Against Cancer logo and color scheme is a familiar symbol of the Avera Race. While a very visible part of the dealership’s contributions, Bloom sees it as just a piece of a bigger puzzle.

“This is a great time of year and a great event, and it impacts so many people,” he said. “It’s so much more than publicity. It’s showing our philosophy and values through good works.”

Learn more about the May 11 Avera Race Against Cancer at AveraRace.org.