Pinky Swear Foundation
Feb 22, 2018
Tim Hyde and Eric Perkins
Pinky Swear Foundation

In December 2002, nine-year-old Mitch Chepokas, terminally ill with bone cancer, withdrew the entire $6,000 from his savings account and put it in envelopes for the kids on the pediatric oncology floor at the hospital. After giving away all of his money, Mitch made a pinky swear promise with his dad to always help children with cancer and their families after he was gone. Mitch passed away on April 11, 2003, and shortly afterwards, the Pinky Swear Foundation was established by Mitch’s parents, to honor the Pinky Swear Mitch made with his dad. To date, over $11 million has been raised to support brave kids battling cancer.

Bios

Eric Perkins:  Eric joined KARE 11 in November of 1996 as a sports reporter and in 2012 was named weeknight sports anchor and sports director at KARE. As a sports reporter Perkins gained much attention with "Perk at Play." Created in the winter of 1997, the hands-on segment won several awards - including an Emmy. A Los Angeles native, Eric graduated from Pepperdine University, majoring in Broadcasting. He and his wife Shelley call the Twin Cities home, and keep busy raising their three children.

Tim Hyde: Development Manager for the Pinky Swear Foundation.