Eleanor Mondale Poling
Eleanor Mondale Poling was the vivacious daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale and sister to former Minnesota State Senator Ted Mondale. A television and radio personality, Eleanor appeared locally on WCCO-TV and WLOL-FM, as well as nationally on the E! Online cable channel, ESPN and “This Morning” on CBS. Most recently, Poling was co-host of WCCO's "Mondale and Jones," from August 2006 until 2009.. Poling was diagnosed with brain cancer in June 2005. In the summer of 2006, the cancer was in remission, but she announced in February 2008 that a small tumor had returned. Mondale was again diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2009. She died of brain cancer at 51 on September 17, 2011. Her willingness to share so publicly, her personal cancer experience across Minnesota and the entire country as well, has been inspiring to countless people.
Angel's Attic
Angel’s Attic is a community-based fundraiser that in the past two years has raised a total of $150,000 for Angel Foundation. Bringing a wealth of experience and drive to the sale are Kay Melemed and Judy Kauffman who organized the World’s Largest Garage Sale for more than 30 years. Together, they organize 100 volunteers—many living with a cancer diagnosis--throughout the year to garner donated estate sale merchandise to fill tens of thousands of square feet of donated warehouse space. Their energy is boundless--exceeded only by their dedication to helping those facing cancer.
Ergodyne
Ergodyne is a St. Paul-based company that for more than 25 years has led the development and delivery of protective work gear products. With a mission to make the workplace a better place for workers on the front lines, this family-owned business extends that compassionate philosophy to its own employees. For the past several years, Ergodyne has embraced the needs of employee Howard Huber and his family, providing special accommodations for this father of three allowing him to continue to work throughout his cancer experience. Although Howard passed away in 2011, his family continues to be a special part of the Angel Foundation and Ergodyne families.
Ruth Bachman
Ruth Bachman is an inspirational speaker with a national reputation and a local focus. She was diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (soft tissue sarcoma) that resulted in left trans-radial amputation in 2003. She is currently cancer free. Ruth has served as the Chair of the Community Advisory Board of the Masonic Cancer Center University of Minnesota and speaks regularly on their behalf. She is also an ambassador for Community Health Charities Minnesota and has spoken at a number of Twin Cities businesses as part of their workplace giving and involvement campaigns. Anyone who hears Ruth speak is inspired by her courage and optimism.