Lifelong Marion resident Donna Knight is known around town as simply, “The Fudge Lady.” But, her story is not always well-known.
Knight is a two-time survivor of cancer. She was diagnosed in 2012 with stage-four breast cancer, then survived a separate battle with lung cancer. Knight said, “I was blessed. God was looking out for me for some reason.” She had suffered the loss of both her father and husband within two years prior to learning of her own diagnosis.
Knight gives her time in gratitude in several ways. She spends two days a week volunteering at Marion Health, from where she retired. “I see a lot of cancer patients up at the hospital, and I just want to help other people who are going through it.” She supports multiple events such as the Walk of Hope and Golf Scramble through Cancer Services of Grant County, an organization she still considers family. “They are beside you, and were there by my side the whole time,” she expressed.
Knight’s labor of love five days a week is in the kitchen for a split philanthropic purpose. Since 2013, Knight has been making fudge and other decadent desserts and sells them at various places and events around Marion and Grant County with 100% proceeds split between two charities dear to her heart. Six months out of the year, she gives the proceeds to Cancer Services of Grant County, and the other six to Twin City We Care which helps local kids in need. Owners of local business, HR Puff N Stuff in Gas City, supply her with the ingredients for her cause, and she “goes to town.” Thousands of dollars are received each year by the two nonprofits from her sales.
She also gives her time volunteering at Fortress Federal Credit Union in Marion writing letters to clients and double-checking teller work.
Knight graduated from Marion High School, then worked for 33 years at RCA, five at Wiley Metal, then seven at Marion Health as a housekeeper before retiring and beginning her new journey.
