A grassroots movement is taking place within BTD Manufacturing, and it all started with a radiothon to end childhood cancer.
“In 2013, I was listening to KDLM radio and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital radiothon was on,” said Matt Maneval, facility and equip leader at BTD Manufacturing. “As a father, I knew I had to help. I walked around the shop floor to collect cash and drove it over the radio station.”
That year, BTD team members raised $583 for the kids of St. Jude.
“BTD Manufacturing really supports causes that its employees are passionate about, often matching donations raised by employees," said Maneval.
Each year leading up to the radiothon, Maneval and Chris Branchaud, customer account representative at BTD Manufacturing, share the mission of St. Jude with their coworkers and invite them to donate through payroll deductions or one-time donations. What began as a fundraiser at a single BTD Manufacturing location has now expanded to all four of the company’s locations.
“People want to give,” said Branchaud. “We all start as kids, and it’s always the dream to turn 18 and be on your own. It’s nice to know that because of St. Jude, kids can get to that point.”
BTD Manufacturing has raised more than $71,000 for St. Jude through employee donations and the company match.
“Every year, we unveil the total that we have raised live during the KDLM and WAVE St. Jude radiothon,” said Maneval. “We challenge other Detroit Lakes companies to join us and donate.”
Community support is at the roots of BTD Manufacturing.
“BTD employs people in small communities and giving back is part of what has made BTD successful. The company was started by two men that were very family oriented and we still embrace that vision.”
