A Mt. Carmel family is once again hosting a sunflower-themed fundraiser this summer to benefit patients receiving treatment at the St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center. In 2021, the Nepple family invited area residents to their homestead just east of Mt. Carmel to purchase a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers as an impromptu fundraiser, and it grew from there. Mark Nepple, who originally started raising sunflowers for beekeeping, says Sunflowers: Share Light & Give Hope began due to the family’s long history with cancer and has almost taken on a life of its own.
The Nepple family raised over $9,000 in the first year and topped $11,000 in the second. Mark says the sunflower fields have been planted, but it is always a challenge to predict when exactly they’ll be able to host the in-person event this summer because plant maturity can vary based on the weather. However, he says they have other gear and decorations available for supporters now.
T-shirt orders are open through Sunday, June 4, and a link to purchase is included with this story on our website. Garden stake orders can be submitted through the Sunflowers: Share Light & Give Hope Facebook page. The local community has always been so supportive of efforts like this, and the Nepples are looking forward to welcoming family, friends, and neighbors back to their acreage again this summer.
https://sunflowers23.itemorder.com/shop/home/?fbclid=IwAR15LYA-KmlvtX1bDShFHDfNBypnt8a9IrD5xdMV3dUL5Hb0dhabiDfcgRI
