Challenge Surpasses $2.2 Million Raised Over Past 15 Years
St. Cloud, Minn. – The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation announced today that the Charity Challenge raised a record $442,679 to provide much needed support for area food shelves. The Charity Challenge also passed a major milestone this year by cumulatively having raised over $2.2 million for local food shelves since it began in 2001.
The total includes a $100,000 match from the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation. The dollars will benefit Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and St. Joseph food shelves.
“Food shelves are such an important piece to helping members of our community have their basic needs met, “ CMCF President Steve Joul said. “The Charity Challenge sponsored by Norm Skalicky is a powerful example of the heart this community has for helping others and how our community can really come together to meet a goal. What a great way to start off 2016.”
The Skalicky Foundation initiated a community challenge just before Thanksgiving to match every dollar donated up to $100,000. The Challenge increased its total amount raised by 5% from last year.
“At Stearns Bank we find needs and fill them,” said Norman Skalicky, CEO of Stearns Bank. “We are so humbled by the generosity we have seen over the past 15 years of annual Charity Challenges. Together, with the help of the community, we can make a big difference in our community and families in need.”
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) in affiliation with CommunityGiving, is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1985, CMCF has grown to over $78 million in assets and awarded over $5.2 million in grants to local non-profits in 2015. CommunityGiving is a partnership of four community foundations, including Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Minnesota Community Foundation and Willmar Area Community Foundation. CommunityGiving administers more than 650 funds totaling more than $115 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org.