PennyBen is dedicated to the support of people living with cancer through its partnership with Hope Lodge and the American Cancer Society in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This student organization takes its inspiration from its founder, recent Aquinas College graduate Ben Richardson. Ben's father, Ray, passed away from a courageous seven month battle with invasive sinus cancer on May 13, 2008. To commemorate his father, Ben decided to hike the entire 2,170 miles of the Appalachian Trail to raise funds for people suffering with cancer. He started a campus club and rallied willing students to his cause. At then end of the academic year, PennyBen had raised over $14,000 through various fundraising activities. Ray's fight and Ben's hike continue to inspire PennyBen and the Grand Rapids Community.