ST. PAUL, Minn.– Affinity Plus’ five-week Month of Giving finished with nearly $22,000 in contributions from members, staff and the public. That total included the credit union’s $1,000 weekly match to one of its five Charities of Choice that received the most donations each week.
“I can’t say enough about our members, staff and the communities in which we have branches,” said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus President/CEO. “The weekly totals and the final tally demonstrate their generosity and community spirit.”
Over the five weeks, Second Harvest Heartland and Special Olympics Minnesota consistently received the most donations. In the final week, Second Harvest again received the most contributions.
Along with Second Harvest and Special Olympics, Affinity Plus’ Charities of Choice include American Red Cross – Minnesota Region; Children’s Minnesota; and the Affinity Plus Foundation. All have extensive websites with additional information about their programs and resources.
Separately, as seen at right, Travis Birklid and Bruce Holmseth are Roseville Area High School business-education teachers and enthusiastic supporters of financial education and were among the 14 recipients of the Affinity Plus Foundation’s 2016 Cultivator Grants.
The two joined the the 12 others across Minnesota in public and private schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Amy Hanson, foundation executive director, said the annual selection process identifies, rewards and celebrates educators and programs “making a tangible impact through their work and service.”
School educators are using the grant funding during the 2016-2017 school year; other recipients will use funding throughout 2017, as well.
The recipients:
- Ann Haines, The Wolves Den
- Anne Barnes, Roseville Area High School
- Bruce Holmseth, Roseville Area High School
- Cheryl Braman, Mounds View High School
- Karlie Crane, Horace May Elementary – Bemidji
- Katrine Bender, Northome School
- Kelly Duncan, Scandia Elementary IB World School
- Lois Lewis, Indus School
- Patricia Tax, Pierz High School
- Rich Updegrove, Duluth East High School
- Robin Christianson, Lakes & Prairie Community Action Partnership
- Sara Anderson, Northwest Passage High School
- Sarah Louise Butler, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office
- Travis Birklid, Roseville Area High School