ST. CLOUD, Minn.– St. Cloud Financial Credit Union sponsored a community recognition program,Changemakers: Giving Back to Those Who Make a Difference, with the St. Cloud Times/LOCALliQ.
For the fifth year in a row, the two organizations came together to highlight people who take their own initiative to do great things in the community.
Nominations were submitted over the course of four weeks, with the winners being chosen by a panel of judges. Each winner received an award and a highlighted article in SC Times. In addition, the grand prize winner received $3,000, with the two finalists receiving $1,000 each for their great work:
Grand Prize Winner: Cindy Hank-Fuls, was nominated for her work with Tanner’s Team Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit that she and her husband started in honor of their son Tanner who passed away at the age of 11 from a form of cancer. The foundation helps families in central Minnesota who have children with life threatening illness. The foundation, in its tenth year, has helped more than 345 families by paying out over $370,000 and assisting with a mortgage payment, car payment, electric bill, or whatever bills families need so they can focus on their children.
Finalist: Jess Lundsetter, helped develop and coordinates the CLC Free Community Store, a place where people who have lost their jobs or are facing tough times due to COVID can get needed essential items including toilet paper, diapers and canned goods. This community store fits a need for people who don’t qualify for help through other programs and is serving hundreds of people in Sartell and up to 30 miles away.
Finalist: Janel Morgan, head of the Janel Morgan Team at RE/MAX Results, launched and supports three programs through her work as a Realtor, by using portions of her commissions to support three different charities annually. “Giving Back One House at a Time” supports local organizations that impact our community. Helping Heroes Home, gives back to the everyday hero (including military, teachers, first responders, and more) by donating a portion of her commission back to the hero through the purchase or sale of their home. The third program, Community Connections, supports local businesses and bringing community closer together.
“In a world where media shares plenty of bad news, we seek out and celebrate the good news of people helping people and focus on the positive,” said Marilyn Birkland, regional director of salesfor LocaliQ.
“With 38 nominations the Changemaker program continues to highlight the good in our community. The finalists are truly inspiring, and we are honored to share their stories, said Marketing Manager Sue Christensen.