Weiser farmer picks cancer support group Angel Wings to receive award

When Weiser farmer Ernie Chandler saw that Bayer Grain was offering a sweepstakes to give back to local charities, he knew he wanted to apply and immediately knew which local organization he would choose to support.
 Chandler’s application was selected as one of the 10 winners of the Bayer Grain for Good Sweepstakes. Chandler selected the Weiser cancer support organization Angel Wings Network to receive his donation.
 The Bayer Grain for Good program is in its second year. Entrants must have grown 250-plus acres of cereal crops, including spring wheat, winter wheat, durum, barley and/or sorghum in 2018 or 2019.
 Entrants were limited to Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, or Washington.
 Although it’s called a sweepstakes, the application was more like a grant application. Chandler had to choose his charity of choice and explain why on the application. The charity of choice must also be a registered non-profit organization.
 Chandler chose Angel Wings because they are a great local organization and also because he had seen their impact first hand.
 “They helped my wife (Julie) when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2010. I know the money stays local and goes right back to people in our community,” Chandler said.
 Julie Chandler shared that Angel Wings was the first place she went to when she was diagnosed. Although her family wouldn’t need the financial help, the emotional support was invaluable.
 “They were there for me, and Ernie saw and appreciated that, too,” Julie Chandler said.
 The Chandlers are hopeful that the $5,000 can have a huge impact for those in the community facing the cancer battle. Angel Wings officials shared with them that they often will spend $1,000 a month on gas cards to help families with travel expenses related to treatment. To know that this money can help cover those expenses means a lot.
 Angel Wings Network, Inc. is a 501 C-3 non-profit that provides support services to folks battling cancer in Weiser and surrounding rural communities. The services are free and provided by volunteers. The organization was started by a cancer survivor in 2008 and the office is located at 773 West Main St., Weiser. Angel Wings serves an area within a 70-75 mile radius of Weiser.