Strack & Van Til CEO Jeff Strack recently presented Opportunity Enterprises (OE) with a check for $10,389.25 in support of the work the organization does throughout the region for individuals with disabilities. The donation comes as part of the Checkout Challenge, in which Strack & Van Til and Town & Country employees encouraged customers to round up their purchase totals over the course of two weeks beginning in mid-April 2026. The Checkout Challenge is part of the grocery chain’s commitment to serving our communities through the generous giving of their customers.
“We are proud to support Opportunity Enterprises and the opportunities they create for individuals with disabilities,” said Jeff Strack, CEO of Strack & Van Til. “The success of the Checkout Challenge is a testament to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our cashiers. Their commitment to giving back helps strengthen communities across Northwest Indiana and supports organizations that are making a meaningful difference, like OE.”
On May 28, OE’s President & CEO, Neil Samahon and Associate Director of Major Gifts, Jane Kobak celebrated with top cashiers who generated the most donations by asking customers to round up their purchases. These cashiers included:
- Chesterton Strack & Van Til – Taya Bauske
- Portage Strack & Van Til – Irene Handley
- Valparaiso Strack & Van Til, Calumet Location – Mary Schilla
- Valparaiso Strack & Van Til, Route 30 Location – David Budnik
- Valparaiso Town & Country – Marcia Zek
OE can operate quality programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of community support like the Checkout Challenge. Strack & Van Til and Town & Country customers prove time and again that they care about their communities and give a little each grocery trip to make a big impact.
“OE is grateful to the cashiers who work tirelessly asking customers to round up their purchases in support of our organization. Raising over $10,000 in two weeks by rounding up purchases during a shopping trip is not an easy feat for both customers and the cashiers who ask – but Strack & Van Til and Town & Country customers are giving and care about OE and their communities,” stated Neil Samahon, OE President & CEO.
The top earning store during OE’s Checkout Challenge time was the Portage Strack & Van Til location raising $2,375.02 for OE with the Valparaiso Route 30 location coming in a close second by raising $2,310.89!
OE has been asked to participate in the Checkout Challenge for ten years and, during this time, nearly $129,000 has been donated back to the organization because of giving customers.
About Opportunity Enterprises
For nearly 60 years, Opportunity Enterprises has worked to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities. OE is in the business of amazing people, with approximately 400 staff serving nearly 1,400 people each year. For more information, visit oppent.org.
From L to R: Taya Bauske, Irene Handley, David Budnik, Neil Samahon – OE President & CEO, Jeff Strack – Strack & Van Til CEO, Cheri Hofferth, Marcia Zeck, and Corrine Duracz. Photo provided by Opportunity Enterprises Staff