Celebrating with Purpose: $169,000 Raised for Children's Cancer Connection

October 2, 2025

The inaugural Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Memorial Grant - totaling $169,000 - was awarded to the Children’s Cancer Connection (CCC) during Merchants’ recent Party with a Purpose. The party was the culmination of the Do S’More Good campaign that ran across 2025, with all funds directed to CCC’s Camp Heart Connection program - providing free camp experiences for children and their families affected by childhood cancer.

The fundraising campaign was fueled by incredible support from its kickoff to the final campfire celebration. “Giving back to the communities where our associates live and work is central to our company.” said Merchants’ Chairman of the Board and President Larry Taylor, “This campaign shows the power of partnership. When our agent partners, donors, and associates come together, we can make a lasting impact well beyond our business.”  

Spirit of Camp

One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of Spirit of Camp, a commissioned piece by Iowa artist Chris Vance. Created to celebrate the joy, resilience, and healing found at Camp Heart Connection, the artwork captures the essence of what CCC provides to kids and families.

“We are simply blown away by your generosity and the way the entire company came together to support our mission,” said Jennifer Hines, CEO of Children’s Cancer Connection, “The gift of Chris Vance’s beautiful painting is a bit like icing on the cake – it will be a focal point in our conference room, and such a meaningful visual reminder of the hope and joy Children’s Cancer Connection brings to Iowa families as they navigate their childhood cancer journey.“

Merchants is honored to be able to make such a meaningful impact through the Merchants Memorial Grant which will be awarded every other year to a selected Charity of Choice.

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation

The mission of the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation is to provide support to non-profit organizations to improve our communities, and enrich the lives of children in the communities we serve. If your organization needs funding, or you’d like to learn about the Merchants Foundation, you can find more information HERE.