Fargo Monthly January 2019

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COMPLIMENTARY

TABLEOFCONTENTS

FARGO MONTHLY // JANUARY 2019

COVER STORY

22

GIVING HEARTS DAY

Just in time for Dakota Medical Foundation's Giving Hearts Day on February 14, Fargo Monthly is excited to dedicate this whole issue to the local non-profits and charities in our area. Read about these local organizations and learn how they are making a positive impact on our community and those who live in it. For ease of navigation in the vast sea of charitable groups, these FargoMoorhead organizations are broken up into 12 categories.

Basic Needs - Emergency Food Pantry Animals - Homeward Animal Shelter Senior Services - Community of Care Crisis Intervention - YWCA Cass Clay Heath & Wellness - HERO DMF Funds - Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation Faith-Based - Christian Adoption Services Youth - Youthworks Impact Funds - Longspur Prairie Fund Arts & Culture - Plains Art Museum Disability Services & Resources - TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics Education - Haley's Hope

17 84 88 98 102 106 Homeward Animal Shelter's Fifi and Persia in a bowl by Plains Art Museum's Hayden Swanson

FEATURES What is Giving Hearts Day? How to be a Charitable Champion Discovering Your Giving Heart Stronger Together What Gives?

Generosity Grows: Planting The Seeds Of Giving

RECURRING 10 Editor's Letter RESOURCES 111 2019 Non-Profit Event Calendar

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ONTHECOVER

This month, we want you to get involved.

On our cover, we have Dr. Sue Mathison and her son Grant Mathison, continued supporters of Giving Hearts Day. Each year, they have a tradition of sitting down and selecting charities to donate to (read more about this tradition on page 106). Inspired by individuals and families like the Mathisons, we want you to get a head start in thinking of whom you'll donate to this Giving Hearts Day.

How to Get Involved: 1. Grab a copy of Fargo Monthly (if you're reading this, you've already got this step done!)

2. Research and think about what organization(s) you want to support on Giving Hearts Day 3. Grab a marker and fill in the blank on the cover telling us who you will be supporting 4. Snap a photo of your filled-out cover 5. Share your photo on social media with the hashtag #CountMeFM

On Giving Hearts Day, we will be featuring #CountMeFM submissions on our social media platforms. Happy posting! We can't wait to see who you will be supporting this year.

FROMTHEEDITOR

5 Ways to Get Involved This Month 1

The

Giving exercise?

Hearts State

Do Your Research Just being aware of what is needed in our community is a big first step. Research individual charities and learn what their missions are. By doing this, you can hone in on ways you think you might be able to help.

2 Use Your Skills Many charities must focus their time and energy on their mission but still are in need of extra skills. Talents like graphic design, photography, accounting, landscaping, etc., can most certainly be utilized for good! If you find a charity you'd like to help, it doesn't hurt to ask them if they are in need of your special skill sets.

3 Dear readers, This letter is the last piece I am writing this month. As you can see, this issue is larger than what we typically create for Fargo Monthly, and it required all hands on deck. To be honest, after weeks of tirelessly interviewing, transcribing and writing, I thought I'd be more than ready to send this issue to print. However, I am a tad misty eyed while writing this (I'm an emotional gal, so this isn't surprising). I will miss diving daily into stories from some of our community's biggest hearts. An issue like this is one of the reasons I wanted to go into this line of work—to share these stories.

This special issue is 100-percent dedicated to the charities and nonprofits in our region. We have changed out a few features to fully honor the work these nonprofits are doing. Because of this, you will not find some of our usual recurring features like our live music calendar, drink specials or trivia. While you can still find those updates online at fargomonthly.com, we wanted every page of this issue to be all about those who dedicate their time, money and talents to causes bigger than themselves.

Fargo Monthly is, and always has been, about highlighting the best parts of our Red River Valley community. In this issue, we are proud to spotlight the 450 nonprofits involved in Giving Hearts Day. Nowhere I've lived before has had a day dedicated to giving quite like Giving Hearts Day. Nowhere else has so much genuine joy around philanthropy: where they treat it as a pleasure, rather than something good they know they should do. The authentic excitement around a day dedicated to gifting is unmatched.

To each and every individual or organization I spoke to this month: Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story with me and with our community. Thank you for doing the hard work.

And to our community: Thank you for making us named one of the most generous regions in the country. And thank you, in advance, for donating your time, talent or treasure this Giving Hearts Day. Until next month,

Alexandra Martin Editor

alexandra@spotlightmediafargo.com fargomonthly@spotlightmediafargo.com 8 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Consume Wisely You can do good by doing things you already do, like shopping on Amazon!

Look into the AmazonSmile Foundation, where Amazon donates 0.5 percent of online purchase prices to a charitable organization of your choice. Many local organizations have this partnership, including Zach's Foundation, CATS Cradle, PATH North Dakota and North Dakota Dental Foundation. Go to smile.amazon. com for more information.

4 Use Your Voice Share the good you do or see! We all know social media is a powerful tool, so you might as well use it to tell others about how they can get involved. Repost calls to action from your favorite organizations and help bring these causes to a wider audience.

5 Donate Whether you are cleaning out your house or buying a little extra at the store, many organizations in town gratefully accept all sorts of items, including clothing, toilet paper, medical equipment, hygiene goods, cell phones, etc. If you've ever wanted or needed something, there's a good chance someone else out there is also wanting or needing those very things (think cooking spices all the way up to cars!).

JANUARY 2019

Volume 9 / Issue 1

Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.

Publisher Mike Dragosavich

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Chief Operations Officer Steve Kruse

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This month, we've gathered photos from our archives to create the end-all-be-all mood board for what we are calling the 2018 Design & Living Magazine Dream Home. Now, this house doesn't really exist, but these meticulously curated mood boards will provide you with home inspiration that will be relevant for years to come.

Also in this issue, local experts predict which design trends will be taking over in 2019.

For the first time, Fargo Inc! will be mailed to small businesses across the state with our special North Dakota Business Guide. This issue walks business owners through the many public sector programs available to help them through all stages of business. We are so excited to provide a resource to over 10,000 small businesses across the state to help them navigate the many accessible programs established to help them thrive.

With National Girls and Women in Sports Day fast approaching in early February, Bison Illustrated sits down and honors some of the phenomenal women student-athletes, coaches and administration at NDSU. They, along with every woman at NDSU, help take Bison athletics to new heights each and every day.

Meet the team MIKE

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WHAT IS

If you search "Giving Hearts Day" on YouTube, many videos with those words in their title will appear. The results feature a variety of local subjects. You’ll see names such as Gate City Bank, ND Center for Nursing, 4 Luv of Dog Rescue, the Fargo Police Department and Great Plains Food Bank all in the mix. All these videos revolve around Giving Hearts Day, but to an outsider, the variety of organizations involved makes it difficult to figure out exactly what they’re focused on.

What is Giving Hearts Day?

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BY THE NUMBERS

$3,460 AVERAGE RAISED ONLINE PER MINUTE

IN 2018, DONATIONS FROM GIVING HEARTS CAME IN FROM

49 STATES LARGEST SINGLE GIFT

$100K

AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT

$138.16

First held in 2008, Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour online fundraising charity event. This charitable giving day is hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), Impact Foundation and the Alex Stern Family Foundation.

Together, these organizations offer resources that equip nonprofits to accomplish their missions, specifically by teaching them how to perfect the art of fundraising. Throughout the year, charities involved are provided the necessary tools to learn how to raise funds with more impact. Each year, their skills then get put to use on Giving Hearts Day. Over the course of 11 years, more than 28,000 givers have donated on this day, raising more than $54 million for over 400 regional charities.

According to Impact Institute Director Scott Holdman, Giving Hearts Day was originally designed as an experiment to study an emerging trend. This trend saw people honoring their loved ones by supporting a charity instead of buying them presents. Jeana Peinovich, the Initiative Director of DMF's Lend A Hand Up program, came up with the idea to hold the event around Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is famously dedicated to spreading love, whether that be to a special romantic partner or even valuable friendships.

And what better way to spread love than to donate to a worthy cause?

Though it began as a pilot for just a handful of medical-related charities, Giving Hearts Day has turned into

17

DOLLARS RAISED FOR CHARITY IN 2018

$13,157,995 OVER a booming success for all sorts of charities, large and small. By nature, DMF is dedicated to building the fundraising successes of health-related nonprofits. When this pilot program exceeded expectations and gained momentum in the community, DMF began to receive interest from nonmedical related charities who wanted to get involved as well. In the desire to help even more organizations, DMF partnered with the Alex Stern Family Foundation to form Impact Foundation.

Together, these groups provide resources to any organization that is interested in taking part.

While the actual fundraiser takes place on February 14, Giving Hearts Day is much more than just a 24hour donation drive. Holdman said, "It's about way more than just getting contributions. This is about creating community and paving the path forward." Every organization that participates in Giving Hearts Day goes through a set of trainings together, planting seeds beyond the day itself.

Organizations benefit year-round with one-on-one coaching provided by Impact, their team available to answer questions and facilitate connections with like-minded people and organizations. There's even a private Facebook group where hundreds of organizations from across the region can join together to ask and answer questions. Those involved get an arsenal of training products and assets, all thanks to being part of the Giving Hearts Day network.

"There's a lot of fun energy around this day that allows people to experiment

18 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

$54 MILLION RAISED SINCE 2008

28,044

IVING EVERY AGRT HE !

COUNTS

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

TOTAL ONLINE DONATIONS

$4,982,240 TOTAL CHECK DONATIONS

$3,648,100 MATCHED DOLLARS RAISED BY CHARITIES

$4,435,293

and figure out empower your GET what works "yes." You don't INVOLVED for them," said need to fix the Holdman. He said whole world, but this day provides you do need to a time for these embrace your GIVINGHEARTSDAY.ORG organizations to "yes" by finding try something new something to plug and branch out. If into and by finding those techniques a community. go well, they can implement them year-round. If an Now that you're in the know, the next organization has never done a social time you're browsing through YouTube, media campaign, this is a great time consider checking out anything related to try one. Or if they've never raised to "Giving Hearts Day." You'll find a major gift, this is when they have a heartfelt thank-you's in reaction to past reason to ask for one. The day can kick successful Giving Hearts Days mixed off a mission of trying out a new tagline in with excited promotional videos or campaign and really get creative with educating viewers on individual causes. how to apply the tools they learned from DMF's training.

As part of their community engagement, Giving Hearts Day also uses the While the charities involved in Giving hashtag #CountMe across other social Hearts Day benefit from it the most, media platforms. See who is supporting the act of donating is an incredibly what organization and join in on sharing powerful experience. Holdman shared, about this special day. With potential for "Getting involved with your community, match donations, it's a perfect day to getting connected to a cause and get started on a path of generous giving making a contribution are things that and inspire others to do the same. we all need to thrive and to benefit our psychological well-being." With Giving With Giving Hearts Day approaching, Hearts Day, there is an opportunity to join the movement and find your do just that. We need a place to make own tribe. In preparation for the a contribution to so we can know the day, you can research organizations feeling of making a difference. "There's involved at GivingHeartsDay.org or a reason why philanthropy exists: we all ImpactGiveback.org to see which need a cause bigger than ourselves and causes resonate most with you. Join a purpose," said Holdman. thousands of people in one of the most generous regions of the nation as they "We are built to join the community. But rally to support 450 organizations who what you have to do in modern life is will make a positive impact on the navigate the options," said Holdman. community throughout 2019.

For all donors, Holdman offers this piece of advice: use your "no" to

FEBRUARY 14

KNOW YOUR Fargo's Giving Hearts Day Line-Up

Basic Needs • Animals • Senior Services • Crisis Intervention • Heath & Wellness • DMF Funds • 20 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

O

ne of the most anticipated days for charitable-minded individuals in our area is approaching. February 14 is the date of this year's Giving Hearts Day. Put on by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), Giving Hearts Day is the country's longest running "giving day," thanks to our region's compassionate population and the framework provided by DMF to nonprofits and community members alike.

Typically, we humans don’t give to any random charity on a whim (although, if you do, good for you!). Oftentimes, we have personal connections that inspire us to help. A family friend with an illness, a history of down-and-out animals finding their way to you, a vacation that went sour due to a natural disaster...the list goes on.

This Giving Hearts Day we urge you to find your connection and match with a local cause. Take from your experiences and give thoughtfully to causes that mean something to you.

With help from the Impact Foundation, we've broken up the numerous FargoMoorhead organizations into 12 categories. Since everyone is drawn to different areas of interest, this categorization will be an aid in guiding you to organizations that resonate the loudest with you.

With more than 100 charitable organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area alone, we know that you’ll come across an organization that tugs at your heartstrings.

Within the listings of local charities in these next few pages, the organizations are split into subcategories that will make it easy for your charitable spirit to find its match.

Thinking of a loved one with an illness?

Consider donating to a foundation that helps those struggling with that same illness.

Do you have a soft spot for animals?

There are numerous animal shelters in town that would love your support.

Have you witnessed your child come out of his or her shell thanks to access to the arts? Arts and culture organizations in town want to help even more kids experience that same feeling of achievement.

We can't possibly list all the types of connections you can make through donating your time, treasure or talent to these local causes, so we urge you to sit back and reflect on what kind of influence you can make in our community. While there's never a wrong time to donate, Giving Hearts Day is a great day to get started.

BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Faith-Based • Youth • Impact Funds • Arts & Culture • Disability Services & Resources • Education 21

A S I B C NEE

DS

Emergency Food Pantry's Executive Director Stacie Loegering

22 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Emergency Food Pantry

N

emergencyfoodpantry.com 1101 4th Ave N, Fargo

ot everybody has a full plate."

To those who would otherwise go hungry, the Emergency Food Pantry offers carts of food, giving those with a full plate in their daily lives the comfort of knowing they'll have a full plate of food waiting for them at home. Whether your full plate is literal and you never have to question when your next meal will be, or, more figuratively, if it's a hectic and busy lifestyle, it's important to remember that not everyone is so fortunate.

To some, a busy schedule is fulfilling, but to others it is a necessity. Emergency Food Pantry's executive director Stacie Loegering said, "I think that a lot of served family's lives are just as hectic as the next person's, but their stressors are about basics.

Their stressors are about getting food on their plate and,– 'Do I have enough money to pay rent this month?'"

The Emergency Food Pantry provides standard supplies that are typically associated with a food panty, like canned goods and non-perishables. However, they also stock fresh produce, dairy products like milk and cheese and household goods such as toilet paper and bars of soap. "We try to screen a little bit about what other things a person visiting the pantry might need in their life. We understand that if a person doesn't have enough money for food, they might not

have enough money for other things," Stacie said.

In addition to the tangible goods they supply, Emergency Food Pantry provides an environment of warmth and safety to those coming into their doors. "Many times people are coming in fearful. They don't know what to expect, and they're feeling ashamed," said Stacie. For each person that comes in, the staff and volunteers act with respect and ensure that these people feel okay about needing to ask for assistance. "When someone comes in with tears of sorrow, and then they're leaving within an hour with tears of joy...I think that right there is an important piece about what we do that extends longer than just that day," said Stacie.

Stacie noted that if you are passionate about their mission, there are a few ways to help the Emergency Food Pantry: 1. Donations. Financial and Tangible. For every $1 donated, they are able to provide four meals and feed a family of four for a week, which costs $21. The reason they can provide so much to those in need with so little money is because of gracious food donations from community members and stores in town.

Stacie shared, "Our budget last year was about a quarter of a million, but the value of everything that we give out, was over $2 million. $2 million worth of product and value that we put back into the community."

2. Volunteer. The food pantry is open to volunteers Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers receive training on how to best fill food carts with items that meet a variety of needs. They then get to meet with the clients face to face and shop together, using their training to ensure that each person that comes in gets all that they need. Volunteers feel truly connected to the mission and the people they serve. However, if you'd prefer to stay behind the

curtain, Stacie added, "There are a lot of behind the scenes tasks that you don't necessarily think about." She noted that every item that comes through the door gets checked for quality, so they often need someone stocking the shelves and checking for damages and "best by" dates.

Another backstage opportunity is to be a van driver. Every morning, an Emergency Food Pantry van goes out to local grocery stores to pick up donations. A driver and a rider for that van are always needed.

3. Education. Help the Emergency Food Pantry by learning more about hunger in our community and be more aware about the needs those around us might face. One in nine people in Cass and Clay Counties live in poverty. Stacie said, "You might not know it. They're in your classroom, your children's or grandchildren's classroom, they're in your church, they're even when you're out shopping.

They may have money today, but they may not have enough money to purchase what they need next week."

Having previously worked in nonprofits that provide families with basic day-to-day needs, Stacie recognizes the importance of having a service like the Emergency Food Pantry that connects the community and reassures people that it's okay to ask for help. "I think many times, if you're not in a service where you're helping people, or know somebody close to you that is struggling with those day-to-day decisions, I think sometimes it's hidden in our community."

Stacie noted that many grocery stores in town have designated spots in their store for donations to the food pantry. So next time you're out at the store getting your ingredients for dinner, consider adding an extra item or two to your cart and ask the cashier where you can drop off donations to the Emergency Food Pantry. You never know whose plate you'll fill.

23

From Executive Director Stacie Loegering

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day donations have allowed us to offer a variety of foods, including protein-rich items. Also, we offer toilet paper and soap to each household. Over 2,400 households received support thanks to 2018 Giving Hearts Day donations!

A MEMORABLE DONATION

An eight-year-old girl held a "Birthday Bag for the Pantry" party.

For her birthday, she asked her friends to bring cake mixes, frosting and a blank card. At her birthday party, they assembled the items into "Birthday Bags," which were donated to the pantry. We continue the program and are able to offer a "Birthday Bag" for children in the families we serve. If a family comes in for a food cart and their child has a birthday within two months of their visit, they can circle that option on a menu and receive a "Birthday Bag" so that their child doesn't have to go without those things on their special day.

WHAT EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY COULD DO WITH MORE DONATIONS

With additional funds, we would be able to provide a larger quantity of items and a variety of food. Much of the food we distribute is donated, but we wish to build in more nutritious options that we can have consistently.

UNIQUE WAYS TO HELP

Fresh fruits and vegetables! As you plan your gardens, consider planting extra for the Emergency Food Pantry.

PROGRESS

I have been in my current role for three years, with nearly 10 years of similar work a decade ago. It has been amazing to see how local organizations are open to collaboration and support one another. We have re-established the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition and held a documentary showing and a Hunger & Health Summit this fall.

We are building connections and using each organization's strengths to improve lives.

WHAT GIVES?

1 to Emergency Food Pantry provides four meals

10 to Emergency Food Pantry would feed two households

*Like Cynthia’s, whose need stemmed from tragedy the week she became a widow.

More Basic Needs Organizations in the FM Area

Churches United for the Homeless

American Red Cross- Dakotas Region

Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality

Amistad Worldwide "Our resources grew by 40 percent, and we were able to provide school books to 33,500 kids in the slums in Andhra Pradesh, India, this past year because of Giving Hearts Day! We were also able to place over 100 wells in impoverished villages with no clean water, bringing our total to 900 wells in five years!" - Tracy Alin, Principal Officer Centre, Inc - Project HART "We were recently contacted by a woman interested in getting unused Bison football tickets to veterans. In the span of 24 hours, what started as an e-mail and a phone call turned into a radio interview and a news story.

The outpouring of support from the community was awesome and enough tickets were donated to ensure every veteran in Project HART could get to NDSU vs. Colgate along with veterans across our community." - Chris Althoff, Program Manager CHARISM "People might be surprised that we need their support and help with beautifying our spaces used to serve the kids and families in our programs.

Our spaces are meant to be used to the maximum capacity to serve our community, and that means wear and tear on the building both inside and outside. Help with some landscaping, painting and sign repairs among other things is needed." - James Nagbe, Development Director

F5 Project

FM Christian MobilePack for Feed My Starving Children FM Coalition for Homeless Persons FM Raise Your Spirits "We are 100 percent volunteer driven.

Everyone on the board and on the volunteer committee is volunteering.

This means 100 percent of the net revenue is returned to the community."

-Bob Stromberg, Chairman Great Plains Food Bank Hope Haven Jeremiah Program "It is rewarding to see single mothers who don't have a lot of hope when they come into our program and watch them work toward earning a degree, operate with a renewed sense of hope and become better parents as a result of the resources and time we're investing in their future." - Coiya Tompkins, Director of Development Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity "Since 1991, we have built 60 homes in our community and helped build 37 international homes through our tithing program. In our early stages, we were building one home per year or one every other year, with no paid staff. During the past 10 years, we've been able to build three to four homes per year." - Pete Christopher, Resource Development and Marketing Manager

25

WHAT GIVES?

21 to Emergency Food Pantry would feed

*Jonathon, his sister and parents when a car repair bill left them with no food until payday.

Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota New Life Center Presentation Partners in Housing

45 to Emergency Food Pantry would feed

*Jennifer, her family and her sister’s children while assisting with a family member recovering from cancer.

REACH - Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters "Roughly 60 families per month visit our pantry. We give out 400 backpacks per month and provide close to 500 hours of counseling services per year.

REACH also provides vouchers to our thrift store for clothing and household accessories." - Peggie Chisholm, Executive Director Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area "Without Rebuilding Together, struggling homeowners, often elderly individuals and those living with a disability, would not have access to assistance in maintaining the safety of their homes."

-Beth Jansen, Development Director Redemption Road Ministries Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley Rural Cass County Emergency Food Pantry

26 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) "We are always in need of unused household supplies, like laundry soap, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. SENDCAA helps more than 95 households move into permanent housing each year. The majority of these households cannot afford to purchase the supplies that we take for granted. SENDCAA provides household move-in baskets to each household when supplies are available." - Sarah Hasbargen, Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator The Salvation Army Fargo Wellspring for the World "As a non-profit, you always need more money... but you can't buy passionate people. Inspired people who are willing to give their time and talent to helping share the need is irreplaceable!" Maureen Bartelt, Board President

m I n a

s l a

Billy from Homeward Animal Shelter

28 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Homeward Animal Shelter homewardonline.org 1201 28th Ave N, Fargo

T

hanks to Homeward Animal Shelter, more than 1,000 animals were given loving homes in 2018.

Homeward Animal Shelter has been serving the Fargo-Moorhead community since 1966 and is the only brickand-mortar shelter in the area that houses both cats and dogs.

Homeward's executive director, Nukhet Hendricks, has been working with the shelter for 13 years. She knows the importance of not only rescuing animals, but also the necessity of uniting pets with loving owners. "Companion animals are the fabric of our lives, and bringing people and pets together is what we are here to do," she said. In this process of bringing people and pets together, she noted that workers at the shelter tend to get attached to animals that come into their doors. In Nukhet's case, one of those animals was Monet.

Monet was a two-year-old Lab/ Collie mix who couldn't catch her lucky break. While at Homeward Animal Shelter, she was adopted out three times and returned back through no fault of her own. It isn't infrequent for animals to be returned to shelters. Sometimes, adopters realize they weren't

ready for a pet after all. Maybe the adopted pet didn't get along with the existing pet in the household. Or maybe the adopter discovered a serious allergy to the pet. There are many reasons why pets get surrendered, many of which are at no fault of the animal or even the human.

"With each return, it became harder and harder for [Monet] to stay in her kennel in the dog ward. The last time she got returned, she got so stressed that we had no choice but to move her into my office," said Nukhet.

Once she was in the office, Monet began to calm down.

Seeing this positive change in demeanor, shelter volunteers decided that she would just stay in the office until the right family came along. Nukhet said, "Day by day, she made herself more comfortable to the point that I would find her curled up sleeping peacefully under my desk every morning. Once I put down some comfy blankets for her, this spot eventually turned into her little den."

Monet and Nukhet shared this office for over two months. While Monet made herself more at home in her den under the desk, she was slowly making herself at home in Nukhet's heart as well.

"I so wanted to take her home with me as my dog, but I was getting ready to visit my family in Turkey for a couple of weeks and decided that I would adopt her when I returned if she was not adopted yet," she said. Sure enough, upon her return, Monet had been adopted. While this was a happy ending for Monet, who is now living with a loving family, Nukhet noted, "To this day, I wish I had adopted her before I left."

Working or volunteering with

an animal shelter is hard work.

Besides the ins and outs of day-to-day business operations, it's hard to not create emotional bonds with animals as they come and go. "All of us at the shelter get attached to each and every animal that comes through our doors," said Nukhet, "And some do find their way into our homes, but most go home with their families who find them at our shelter." Naturally, not every animal that comes to them can be adopted by those working at the shelter. However, this shelter acts as a pathway that allows forever-home connections to be made.

As a no-kill shelter, Homeward's mission is "Rescue. Shelter.

Protect. Rehome." There is no time limit for the animals in their care, meaning they will stay with Homeward until they are adopted by their forever families.

Staff members and volunteers at Homeward love and care for the animals, often providing socialization to these future-pets.

Thanks to generous donors from the community, these animals are also given access to veterinary care and everything they need until their forever families find them and take them home.

Thanks to Homeward Animal Shelter's work, no adoptable animals have been euthanized in the municipal pounds for the last six years. Without Homeward, it is entirely possible that more than 1,000 abandoned and lost animals, including Monet, would not have a second chance at a loving home. Nukhet noted that thousands of happy endings have been written during her tenure as executive director. She shared, "One thing I am sure of is that every day, there are perfect matches made in this shelter."

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From Executive Director Nukhet Hendricks

ABOUT HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

Homeward Animal Shelter rescues, shelters, protects and re-homes homeless, lost and abandoned cats and dogs in FM area. First priority is to rescue all the animals that go unclaimed in the municipal pounds, and we also accept owner surrenders when space is available, as well as many animals from regional reservations. Homeward Animal Shelter strives to stop companion animal overpopulation by spaying or neutering animals (six months or older) before adoption.

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day has put us on the nonprofit map in our community.

Our organization got recognized as a professional, nonprofit organization because of Giving Hearts Day.

UNIQUE NEEDS FOR HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

IT volunteers, web designers, plumbers, electricians, handyman and siding experts.

NON-TANGIBLE WAYS TO HELP Become a foster family!

GOALS FOR HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

To continue to increase financial capacity and the number of foster families that foster our animals. Also to work towards increasing physical capacity.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD BE LIKE WITHOUT HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER There would be a need to rescue, shelter, protect and re-home over 1,200 cats and dogs in our community that more than likely would never make it out of the municipal pounds without Homeward Animal Shelter.

WHAT GIVES?

15 to Homeward Animal Shelter could buy pet food for homeless animals

100 to Homeward Animal Shelter will provide wellness exams and vaccinations to animals at the shelter

More Animal Organizations in the FM Area 4 Luv of Dog Rescue "I admire 4 Luv of Dog Rescue because they are completely volunteer-run and rely on volunteers to foster their pups. They have such a dedicated support base, and their annual Silent Auction & Gala has become one of the go-to charity events of the year." - Hannah LeTexier, Alzheimer's Association Audubon Dakota "I admire Audubon Dakota. Those folks are just killing it. Incredible vision, incredible dedication and incredible leadership. The conservation work they’ve done along the river in the FM is some of the most important urban nature programming in the U.S." Peter Schulz, Longspur Prairie Fund Bison Strides CATS Cradle Shelter Inc. Ducks Unlimited Diamond in the Ruff Pet Rescue K9 CREW "We serve 12 to 16-year-olds, particularly those at risk of adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms, by teaching them the skills they would need to work as professional dog trainers." - Joe Fluge, Founder Minn-Kota PAAWS Red River Zoo Service Dogs for America 31

senI

o r se v r Ices

Former Community of Care volunteer Bill Kent 32 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Community of Care communityofcarend.com 41 Langer Ave S, Casselton

C

ommunity of Care believes rural Cass County is a great place to live, no matter your age. Through a holistic approach of care coordination, Faith Community Nursing and volunteer programming, Community of Care provides programs and services to help older adults continue to say, "There's no place like home in rural Cass County!" Community of Care provides a number of resources for seniors living in rural Cass County, including a volunteer transportation service that provides rides to Fargo for older adults to attend medical appointments.

Thanks to Community of Care, Bill Kent can keep living in Casselton, N.D., where he will continue to be an active member in the community there. Bill is a member of a coffee club, is involved in public community events and always has a smile to share with those around him.

Bill utilizes the ride service that Community of Care provides after facing some medical setbacks, but he hasn't always been in the passenger seat. For about 10 years, Bill drove for Community of Care himself, transporting seniors from rural Cass County into Fargo for needed appointments.

"I loved it. If I didn’t have this [medical] problem I have now, I would still be driving with Community of Care. I loved the people, I loved to visit with them and hear their stories and then I also could tell my stories," he said. Bill is widowed and lives alone now, so he cherishes the opportunity to share stories from his 88 years of life. Myrna Hanson, Executive Director of Community of Care, noted that it's not just transportation from Point A to Point B that makes this organization so important, but socialization is a big piece of it too.

"There’s a lady I used to pick up and bring her into town, and we always had to stop in West Fargo at this one particular restaurant. When her husband was alive, they always stopped there for a bowl of soup. So when I was driving her, we always had to stop for a bowl of soup there. Every time," Bill shared.

Many seniors are unable to transport themselves. Trips to important medical appointments and memorable places like this wouldn’t otherwise be possible for them.

Bill is no longer in the driver's seat, but he continues to be a large part of Community of Care's beautiful tapestry through his storytelling and advocacy for the program.

"I love Community of Care. It is important because it keeps us older people in our homes that we are used to," said Bill. "I went through this with my folks. They didn't have Community of Care at that time." He shared that he had to watch his grandfather pass away in a nursing home after having suffered a stroke.

Later in life, Bill also saw his wife struggle with illness. "I wish [Community of Care] had been around for the months she had to be at home. I had to keep my job, because I had to keep an income, and I wish we would have had someone like Community of Care to take care of her." Wanting to keep her at home at this time, Bill had to rely on Lifeline and kind neighbors who were willing to take care of his wife when he was gone for work.

"The longer I work at Community of Care, the more I see that there is just something about 'home' and about that community," Myrna said. Without Community of Care, older adults would need to seek assistance elsewhere, forcing them out of their treasured community surrounded by friends, family and familiar things.

Supporting Community of Care allows more people, like Bill, to be able to say, “This is home and this is my community where I belong.”

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seniors. Like many organizations, we are also in need of technology assistance to design brochures, create graphics, shoot and edit video.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

Our short-term goal is always to increase the awareness of our organization. We know that many people do not understand or seek our services until they are in need for themselves or a loved one. A year ago, we sponsored a webinar, Estate Planning SMARTS, focused on adult children of aging parents. We brought in Susan Johnson-Drenth, the only certified elder attorney in N.D. to do the presentation. We want to expand our educational opportunities such as this to provide information for older adults and their adult children.

From Executive Director, Myrna Hanson

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day has helped to raise awareness of our mission and not only in rural Cass County. Our Facebook posts have generated a great deal of activity, especially around GHD. People like and share the pictures, stories or videos, which results in more people knowing about the work we are doing in rural Cass County. We see more people liking and following our Facebook page during GHD. The funds raised make a big difference in our ability to care for "grandmas and grandpas" in rural Cass. In 2018, we raised approximately 15 percent of our yearly budget on GHD.

BY THE NUMBERS

In 2017: • We served 505 individuals • We facilitated 19,772 miles of transportation bringing older adults to medical appointments • 209 people volunteered in some aspect • We served 263 people to review their Medicare Part D drug plans and the average savings were $500 per person • We have older adults exercising twice a week in five different locations in the county

34 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

LONG-TERM GOALS • We mail our newsletter twice a

year to every box holder in rural Cass County (approximately 7,300 copies).

• We are the only organization of our type, providing the variety of services in the state of North Dakota.

• We were selected as a Bush Prize Winner in 2014, one of only three in North Dakota.

WHAT MORE COULD BE ACHIEVED WITH MORE DONATIONS

More donations would allow us to expand our services, likely through increases in staff time.

One particular dream is to expand our Faith Community Nurse programming to other parts of the county. Our current nurse works two days a week in the northern part of the county. We have seen the results of her work and know there are needs in other parts of rural Cass County. An additional Faith Community Nurse staff would allow us to serve greater number of clients and their needs.

MORE WAYS TO HELP

We welcome more volunteers who provide transportation to bring older adults to their medical appointments. We also have groups who have done yard work for area

We would love to see our program replicated in other parts of North Dakota to serve more rural seniors.

Not as an expansion of our program, but as a model based on local community needs with local community champions.

WHAT WOULD BE LOST IN THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT COMMUNITY OF CARE If Community of Care didn't exist, older adults would need to seek assistance elsewhere, and we truly believe many of them would have to move from their rural Cass County homes. Our program was developed to fill the gaps, not to duplicate available services.

Without us, residents in northern Cass would not have the Faith Community Nurse resource to provide education, referrals and support. Some older adults might get a ride to the doctor from a friend, but many would not get to their medical appointments without our organized network of volunteer transportation. With our conveniently located offices, people stop in or call to receive assistance from trusted employees who they know personally. Many clients and their adult children tell us they don't know where to turn for help and we provide information and peace of mind.

WHAT GIVES?

26 to Community of Care provides a ride to a medical appointment

40 to Community of Care provides an hour of Care Coordination or Faith Community Nurse services

More Senior Services Organizations in the FM Area Bethany Retirement Living "On average (some are more, some are less, depending on the amount of services they receive), it costs about $15 an hour for the care provided to our residents. This includes a lovely place to live, around-theclock care, meals, housekeeping, activities and love. It's a bargain." Grant Richardson, Senior Executive – Development and Community Relations Eventide "We help fulfill our resident's dreams through our Day Dream Program [Senior Make-a-Wish]. One resident received a family wedding invitation, and her dream was to wear a new dress for the occasion. Eventide staff helped her in purchasing a dress and also having her hair styled for the special day. Donations to this program help make dreams come true." Trudy Latozke, Executive Director of Foundation Memory Café of the Red River Valley "We hope to truly change the way people think about memory loss. I have heard from some in the medical community that a diagnosis of dementia is the hardest to give. One of my biggest hopes for Memory Café is that we can provide people with hope, even in the midst of living with memory loss. While we know it can be difficult and challenging, it does not mean that you will have to live life without love, acceptance or joy." - Beth Ustanko, Co-Founder Southeast Senior Services Valley Senior Services "We are constantly searching for volunteers to help deliver Meals on Wheels." - Brian Arett, Director Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN 35

I S I N S T ER I R E V NTIO C N

YWCA's Grace Garden Program Manager Sarah Selseth (L) and Community Relations Manager Morgan Svingen (R)

36 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

YWCA Cass Clay ywcacassclay.org 3000 S University Dr, Fargo

W

omen stay in abusive environments when they have nowhere else to go. For many women escaping violence, their first night of safety begins at YWCA Cass Clay. With aid from YWCA Cass Clay, local women and children get a helping hand in overcoming violence, homelessness or crisis, moving from fear to freedom.

YWCA Cass Clay stands alongside women and children in need, providing them a place of safety and comfort when it's needed most. It is the largest emergency shelter for women and children escaping homelessness due to violence and poverty in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. YWCA's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. However, it's hard to express the feelings of hope YWCA creates for their clients.

Safe shelter, food, clothing, childcare, education and employment services, health counseling and transportation assistance are among the many services that YWCA provides in a judgement-free, supportive environment. But beyond these

tangible services, YWCA Cass Clay provides a caring team of volunteers and professionals ready to listen and empower women on their journey to independence. Sarah Selseth, YWCA's Grace Garden Program Manager, said, "I think sometimes we are those people that women call on their worst day, when they might not have someone else.

We are the people who get those phone calls when they need support or someone to talk to."

needs have been met, YWCA aids women in transitioning out of the shelter and getting back on their feet through services such as education, employment, childcare, transportation assistance and finding strengths in them that they might not recognize in themselves.

"Whether they stay with us for one day, 30 days or if they stay in our supportive housing for two years, we offer classes and budgeting skills that they can use.

We are providing them with skills that they can use for the rest of their life," Sarah said. YWCA Cass Clay is currently constructing a 30-unit housing complex in West Fargo called Grace Garden, which will help even more families arrive to safety and start their journey to a new life.

Organizations like YWCA need support from the community to continue providing services and support for those who come to them. Beyond a regular need for volunteers and financial contributions, one of YWCA's biggest needs right now is prepaid cell phone minute cards.

Morgan Svingen, YWCA's community relations "I admire the YWCA because it makes a manager, noted, "People difference by empowering women to reach who come their full potential. I especially appreciate the to us are attention and care they give to racial justice trying to stay connected to and transitional housing and support for either jobs or those victims of domestic violence. As the employers, FM community grows, so does my awareness or just to stay connected to families in need. The YWCA is active and in general. trying to break the cycle of poverty and Phone cards violence, and I believe that they should be are critical.

It makes it commended for this work" possible for - Steve Smith, YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties those in our program to have that link to safety."

Domestic violence can take away a woman's self worth and leave Last year, YWCA Cass Clay lasting wounds, but thanks to provided the essentials of safety, YWCA, we can help women in housing, food and clothing to our region become re-instilled about 1,400 women and children with the confidence and strength escaping domestic violence that every person deserves. and poverty. After their basic

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From Community Relations Manager, Morgan Svingen

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT ON YWCA

Giving Hearts Day comes at one of the busiest times of year for our emergency shelter. With temperatures below zero and families looking for a safe place to stay, YWCA is above capacity a majority of the time. Giving Hearts Day provides a much-needed New Year boost to provide families with essential items, including food, clothing, hygiene items and the comforts of a safe room to call home.

SOMETHING YWCA WOULD BENEFIT FROM

Can you imagine going days or weeks without your cell phone? For many of the women that we serve, prepaid phones are their only way to stay connected. While they are working to rebuild their lives, the resource of a phone is invaluable. A simple cell phone allows them to contact potential employers, reach out regarding apartments for lease or stay connected to family and friends. As they budget for food, rental deposits and essentials for their family, a phone bill or contract is not always a reasonable option. By providing prepaid minute phone cards, 38 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

you help women make and receive calls that can change their lives.

WHAT YWCA COULD DO WITH MORE DONATIONS

With additional funding, YWCA could grow our Homeless Prevention Program, helping families with rental assistance and security deposits. These gifts can help families maintain current housing or rapidly move on from shelter. For many in our community, a decrease of hours at work or a sudden illness can cause significant financial hardship. YWCA’s Homeless Prevention Program helps in these times of need.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YWCA

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our community, not only through monetary gifts but also through gifts of physical donations and volunteer time.

Volunteers help with numerous tasks at the Emergency Shelter, including sorting, distributing food boxes, assisting teachers and tutoring youth through Shelter Children's Services, and instructing classes in the Education and Employment program. Volunteers also assist with annual special events,

including Chocolate Fantasy and Chili, Too and Women of the Year, where all proceeds raised go toward the Emergency Shelter. Last year, 2,372 individuals volunteered 7,897 hours at YWCA Cass Clay.

PROGRESS

YWCA began in 1906 as a boarding house for rural women attending college, and since then we have transitioned into the largest emergency shelter for women and children in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. We have also expanded to include education and employment programming, Shelter Children’s Services, a Sanford Registered Nurse who also provides respite care, supportive housing, human trafficking advocacy and homeless prevention initiatives.

WHAT WOULD BE LOST IN THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT YWCA

Without YWCA, over 1,500 women and children would find themselves homeless or remaining in abusive living conditions each year. YWCA provides them with a safe place to escape crisis and start rebuilding their lives.

WHAT GIVES?

23 to YWCA Cass Clay provides shampoo, toothpaste and a full bag of essential care items.

132 to YWCA Cass Clay provides three days of safe shelter, food and caring support.

More Crisis Intervention Organizations in the FM Area Farm Rescue FirstLink "[We'd appreciate] funding to grow our social media campaign: we want everyone in North Dakota and Clay County Minnesota to know there is hope and help available with phone support and texting that is free and confidential." - Jennifer Illich, Director of Helpline Operations Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo Moorhead "I really admire the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. We have the unique perspective of working with some of the people who have been helped out by the RACC and get to see the tremendous job that they do in not only helping people escape dangerous situations, but helping people rebuilding their lives as well." - Pete Christopher, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Red River Children's Advocacy Center "Every year a woman (who I know little about and who is from several hundred miles away) calls me and asks for my recommendations on charities for her Giving Hearts Day donations.

She is very clear that I do not have to recommend the RRCAC as she will be giving to us, but she wants me to tell her other charities for her annual donation. She then distributes her $50 gift to multiple charities." - Anna Frissell, Executive Director Unseen "Volunteering is never out of style!"

- Lauren Hutton, Development Operations Coordinator

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h ea Lth & ellN e ss w

HERO donor Sue Helton (L) and Executive Director Maren Gemar (R)

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FEATURED ORGANIZATION

HERO

(Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) herofargo.com 5012 53rd St S, Fargo

W

hen Sue Helton's husband Jim passed this October, many difficult decisions had to be made. How would she honor his memory?

What would she do with all of his medical equipment they had amassed over the years? In lieu of flowers, Sue wanted to honor her late husband by continuing his legacy of improving the lives of those with physical disabilities.

"It was automatic, it clicked that in lieu of flowers, HERO would be his memorial," Sue said.

In his life, Jim had used products and services from HERO: Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization, an organization that redistributes medical supplies and equipment both nationally and internationally. Confined to bed for 16 years, Jim was in need of certain medicines and wound care supplies that were hard to come by in terms of affordability and access. With HERO's help, she was able to get her husband a variety of sanitized, quality supplies that he needed.

Open to all, HERO offers low-cost medical equipment and supplies such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, hospital beds, wound care supplies and more.

From their retail store in south Fargo, HERO serves all age demographics and income levels, even offering waived fees for those with financial hardship. Whether you need large, high-cost items or small basic materials, HERO shelves all things medical that you might need, no matter your financial standing. Communications

coordinator Bridget Ertlet said, "The great thing about shopping here is that you know that the dollars that you're spending at HERO are helping to support our mission. It helps us continue our program; it helps us keep our doors open. Even shopping for little incidentals, like bandaids, can really make a big difference."

Besides donations, HERO's second largest revenue source is their retail store.

On top of the medical bills and appointments that come with a health ailment, finding the right equipment can be time consuming and expensive. Sue expressed that it was like a treasure hunt because you can sometimes come across medical equipment at yard sales or estate sales. HERO's new executive director Maren Gemar said, "A lot of times when people don't need certain equipment anymore, they just don't know what to do with it, so it might end up being sold at a yard sale."

Instead of sending off your used medical equipment to a landfill or a secondhand store, consider passing it along to HERO so that they can help families like Sue's.

Hoping for a stroke of luck to come across the specific item you need secondhand is a gamble that many don't have the time or patience for. To ease the process for people looking for equipment at a reasonable cost, HERO's store provides all they would need.

At first glance, the thought of used medical equipment might not sound appealing to many.

However, the used supplies that are donated to HERO are put through a detailed cleaning process. Maren said, "I think sometimes people are nervous when they're purchasing something that's been donated.

But at HERO, they know that what they're purchasing is safe, that we're confident that we have all the precautions in place that we need to. Last thing you want to do is try to help somebody but make it worse." Bridget also noted that they are in the

process of being very close to being able to purchase a new medical equipment washer that will streamline this process even more.

Not only are HERO's services important locally, but globally and environmentally as well. In addition to local services, they also equip medical mission teams with life-changing supplies to assist individuals and families all over the world, including work with the Haiti Medical Mission. As far as environmental responsibility, their program of recycling through distribution helps save thousands of pounds of reusable medical material. Last year alone, they saved 95 tons of medical equipment and supplies from local landfills.

"We served over 5,000 individuals in 2017, and the numbers just keep growing. We've seen a 20 percent increase in the last three years, proving that health care needs continue to grow," said Bridget. "I think it's such a valuable resource to our community because of the affordable cost and the immediate access. We want to eliminate all the cumbersome paperwork and allow people to come in, get what they need and go home so they can live life a little bit more comfortably."

When deciding how to remember Jim, Sue thought about all the organizations across the country that benefit from donations, but she wanted to focus her aid.

She thought back on how HERO allowed her husband to live more comfortably, and she wanted to pass along the positive impact HERO had on her family. "I figured that with a smaller organization, it makes a bigger difference. Even though it’s maybe not a lot, it’s something," she said.

Sue encourages people to give.

"It might be in lieu of flowers in the obituary like we had. There are many ways that people give memorials. [Giving to HERO] is one that might not be as visible, but it's a gift that gives back."

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"[I admire] HERO - they assist the senior population to lower healthcare accessory cost, allowing for more resources to be used for basic needs for our area seniors and those living with a disability."

-Beth Jansen, Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area

From Communications Coordinator Bridget Ertelt and Executive Director Maren Gemar

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day has become very important to HERO's annual fundraising calendar. It is our second largest fundraising campaign next to HERO's Annual Bash, which is held every spring. The dollars raised during Giving Hearts Day have a direct impact on HERO's waived fee program.

Clients who are dealing with financial hardship can apply to HERO's waived fee program and receive medically necessary items for free. HERO waived over $116,000 for local individuals and agencies last year, and we are on track to exceed that number this year. Giving Hearts Day fundraising dollars help us offset the cost of this program and help HERO to continue to provide an important resource to our community.

WHAT HERO COULD DO WITH MORE DONATIONS

More financial donations would allow HERO to expand our services and operations across the state and region.

We would be able to reach more rural communities and provide affordable healthcare supplies to more individuals in need. We could be an even greater resource to our community and global missions by providing increased access to medical supplies. Healthcare costs are on the rise, and more and more people could benefit from the services HERO has to offer.

HELP BEYOND THE FINANCIAL

Volunteering is a great way to help HERO. HERO’s volunteer base provides vital support for our dayto-day operations. We have seen

a dip in volunteer activity in recent years, despite our increased growth in operations, which means fewer volunteers are taking on more work.

We can't thank our core volunteers enough for helping us every day. We are currently seeking a warehouse volunteer for donation sorting and sanitizing and a truck driver volunteer for deliveries and pick-ups, as well as an office volunteer for general clerical duties. Despite our best efforts to show our thanks, we just can’t begin to express the depths of our gratitude for our volunteers. They really are our heroes!

PROGRESS

Looking back on HERO’s progression over the years is inspiring. HERO has experienced amazing transformations and growth. HERO added much needed space to its retail center and warehouse last fall. In the last year, we’ve supplied over 50 global missions, served over 5,000 individuals and agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead area and saved close to 200,000 pounds of usable medical equipment from disposal in local landfills. HERO served over 90 counties in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota while distributing over 44,000 pieces of medical equipment. We’ve formed partnerships with 108 local and regional agencies that further assist individuals and families throughout the upper Midwest. These numbers continue to increase and reflect the very measurable impact that HERO is making locally, globally and environmentally.

More Health & Wellness Organizations in the FM Area Alzheimer's Association American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association- Camp Sioux American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Birthright of Fargo-Moorhead, Inc CHI Health at Home - Hospice Concussion Care Initiative DMF Veterans PTSD Care Initiative Essentia Health Regional Foundation Face It TOGETHER Fargo-Moorhead Family HealthCare Family Wellness FirstChoice Clinic First Step Recovery of The Village F-M Haiti Medical Mission

Gladys Ray Shelter & Veterans Drop-In Center Great Rides Heartsprings Hope Blooms "Hope Blooms repurposes donated flowers and rearranges them into beautiful bedside bouquets so that those who need it most in our community feel this sense of inclusion [...] We have delivered nearly 6,000 bouquets to community members in need." - Kelly Krenzel, Founder Hospice of the Red River Valley Imagine Thriving International Hyperbaric Medical Foundation Lend a Hand Up "Lend A Hand Up was the FIRST Giving Hearts Day participating charity! The launch of Lend A Hand Up in February 2008 coincided with the first Giving Hearts Day, providing a dynamic opportunity to introduce this new program to the community and engage support." - Jeana Peinovich, Director Lost and Found Recovery Center "We need volunteers to help with social media, website, events and hobbies/

WHAT GIVES?

interests. People with rental properties for sober housing. Employers willing to hire those with felonies." - Jann Johnson, Executive Director National Kidney Foundation Serving the Dakotas National Multiple Sclerosis Society New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment North Dakota Center for Nursing North Dakota Dental Foundation "While serving at the first ever ND Mission of Mercy (free 2-day dental clinic) in Bismarck, a patient donated $10. With the biggest smile on her face and tears rolling down her face, she said how much the free dental care meant to her and that she wanted to support this event so we could do it again for others." - Michael J Little, Executive Director PASE Pray for Gray Foundation Prescription Assistance Program Red River Valley Dental Access Project 46 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Sanford Health Foundation - Fargo ShareHouse The ALS Association of MN/ND/SD Chapter The Perry Center Valley Christian Counseling Center "One study shows that 37 percent of youth who have a mental illness will drop out of school. This is the highest dropout rate of any disability group. We want to serve these kids better and get them in to a counselor sooner." - Kris Fraser YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties "Giving Hearts Day gives our community the opportunity to understand the charitable nature of the YMCA by providing us broad exposure. One-third of our fundraising is completed on this day." - Steve Smith, President Zach's Foundation "When [Zach's] school found out we were doing a Teddy Bear Drive for sick kids, they rallied and donated hundreds, many with personalized messages, sharing of stories and heartfelt wishes.

Kids want to be involved too." - Ellen Rummel

1000 to HERO could fund 10 wheelchairs, 40 shower chairs or 20 rollator walkers

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f m d

Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation's President of the Board Tracy Oberg Dunham and Marine veteran John Dalziel 48 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Brady Oberg

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation bradyoberglegacyfoundation.org

I

do not want another sister to ever have to sit and go through this."

In 2015, Tracy Dunham lost her brother, Brady Oberg, to suicide as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Brady had returned to the United States after serving a year-long deployment with the Army's 10th Mountain Division 4th Brigade in Afghanistan.

"Veterans give years of their life for our nation. Then they come home and we think they are safe, because they are on our ground, but in Brady’s case, he never left Afghanistan," Tracy said. Tracy helped found the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation in late 2015 to honor the legacy of her brother, raise awareness for combat PTSD and create a community of veterans who get together and support each other.

"We host retreats, hunting trips, get-togethers and fitness

opportunities, with the intention of creating a lot more activities. Brady was adventurous, so that is our approach to Veteran activities. We hope to form those relationships and keep brothers and sisters who served together, together. That’s our mission," Tracy said.

Working with the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation is John Dalziel, a Marine veteran who worked for the FBI and in law enforcement.

Tracy wants this foundation to be by veterans and for veterans. She understands that one can not get what it's like unless they've been through it themselves. She said, "There was a whole element that we were missing, and we realized really fast that veterans talk to veterans differently than they talk to civilians or their family. With people like John, we’ve been able to join forces and get our voice out that much further and that much louder to more people."

When John retired from the FBI, he was looking for something so that he could continue to give back, as his whole life had been dedicated to doing so. The thought of not being able to continue to give back created a void in his life. Through a mutual friend, he discovered the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation, and a "match made in heaven" was formed.

He does strong public speaking, and he had been working with the CrossFit Community on PTSD awareness. Paired with the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation, he was able to help raise more awareness

and money for the cause, but more importantly raised awareness of PTSD and got struggling veterans to pick up the phone. "I’ve said it over and over again: asking for help isn't a sign of weakness," John noted. "You have all these people that want to help and they want to thank you for what you’ve done for our country. They recognize that you’ve sacrificed your today for our tomorrow."

John and Tracy, along with the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation, help to organize various events for veterans to get together and do what they love. Throughout the year, they can go to fitness classes together, go on hunting expeditions, participate in a motorcycle ride event and more. Thanks to donations and fundraisers like Giving Hearts Day, every single event that they put on is free to veterans.

One event that John helped put together is the Brady's Border 2 Border Ruck March. Last year, a group of veterans marched from the United States-Canada border at Noyes, Minn., to the North Dakota-South Dakota border, south of Fairmont, totaling 270 miles. This year, with 20-pound ruck sacks in tow, they will be marching west to east, beginning at the Montana-North Dakota border near Beach, N.D., to the North Dakota-Minnesota border at the bridge located on 52nd Avenue in south Fargo, totaling about 370 miles. Events such as this not only raise funds for the cause, but 49

More Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) Funds 3 BOYS Fund Al and Sharon Carlson Family Fund All Children Embraced (ACE) Endowment Fund Allan and Judy Dragseth Family Fund Ben's Helping Hand Fund Brady Oberg and his siblings, Tracy and Bradley, before he deployed.

also create a wider awareness for veteran PTSD and suicide recognition and prevention.

Tracy and John agreed that reaching out and encouraging solidarity between veterans is huge.

"We are not that 911 call. We are not the doctors. But our hope is that we are way before any of that, that they never get to that point," Tracy said. "They are seeking us for camaraderie, for family awareness and then hopefully they never get to the point where they need that emergency call. We are not the last resort, but hopefully we are the first thing they seek out when they get home."

Tracy noted that sometimes people think veteran suicide must be from drugs, drinking, not being able to hold a job or not having family support, but that often isn't the case and things aren't always as they seem. "In Brady’s group, they came back victorious, meaning they came back with all of their brothers. But since then, we have had 12 that we have lost out of 50 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

the 140-something that came home, and that's all since they have been home on our soil." Tracy shared that the rate of veteran suicide is currently at 22 a day.

With organizations such as the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation, we all can help raise awareness of what veterans often go through when returning to the States and attempting to assimilate back into civilian life.

Through his legacy, Brady gets to help those who are or have been in his shoes. About last year's Border 2 Border Ruck March, John shared that on the night they began the march, Brady put on a sound and light show for them in the sky. There was no rain, but it was thundering and lightning all night. John said, "The passion that the Oberg family has is unreal, it’s unbelievable. It’s a great cause, and I wish I knew Brady, but knowing how successful his memory is, that he is continuing to do great things from the other side, that is just few and far between."

Benton's Hope Fund Bras and Bros on Broadway Fund Casselton Community Medical Foundation Fund Charitable Champions Fund Christine Butler Mullen Endowment Fund for Children Doug and Sally Larsen Family Fund Doug Anderson Family Fund Doug Burgum Family Fund Dr. David and Janice Glatt Family Fund Dr. Fadel and Heidi Nammour Family Fund Dr. Kevin and Jean Melicher Family Fund Dr. Lance and Ruth Bergstrom Family Fund Dr. Walter and Renee Johnson Family Fund Drs. Hope Yongsmith and Christian Albano Family Fund E and S Fund G.R.O.M.: Giving Real Opportunities to the Mobility-Challenged Endowment Fund Garrity Axness Family Fund Garrity Family Fund God's Work Endowment Fund Goldmark Fund Harlynn's Heart Fund Hauge Memorial Fund Haugen-Thorne Family Endowment Fund Healthy Living Bike Fund

For more information on individual funds, go to impactgiveback.org

Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation's 2017 Sitka, Alaska trip From President of the Board and Sister of Brady, Tracy Dunham

ABOUT BRADY OBERG AND THE BRADY OBERG LEGACY FOUNDATION

Brady Oberg was a veteran who had a love and respect for the United States of America and his fellow combat veterans of all American wars. Like so many soldiers, he brought some of the battle home with him. Through his Legacy Foundation, we hope to bring veterans together for fun-filled adventures where they can connect and reconnect with each other. We also hope to raise awareness about PTSD and help family members and spouses understand the struggles their soldiers may deal with when returning home from war.

MEMORABLE DONATIONS

We love to hear when a donor knew Brady at some point in his life and how he affected them and because of that they want to give back.

WHAT COULD HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION?

What we need is more veterans to participate in our events; veterans can help other veterans better than anyone else. Veterans have a way with each other that can't be matched. Also, reach out to combat veterans in your life and let them know of the events, scholarships and activities we have to offer.

GOALS

Short-term, we are partnering with TNT Kid's Fitness on a fitness program for our veterans at a low cost that includes personalized training and camaraderie. Longterm, we hope to provide more adventure retreats for combat veterans that allow them to have fun while unburdening their hearts and minds as only they can do together. We also want to build up our scholarship program so we can offer more scholarships to combat veterans that are going into the mental health field as counselors or psychologists.

Heat Transfer Warehouse Healthy Community Fund Jeromy Brown Family Fund Jim Holdman Impact Institute Fund John and Rosemary Tucker Charitable Gifts Fund Justin's Break the Silence Fund Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Fund Kevin and Courtney Ritterman Family Fund Kid's Health Fund Larry and Julie Leitner Family Fund Lenertz Family Health Fund M. Donald Larsen Family Fund Mack V. Traynor, MD Endowment Fund Mark E. and Trish Paulson Family Fund Marv Bossart Foundation for Parkinson's Support Fund Matt and Patty Evans Fund Matto Foundation Mental Health Endowment Fund Michael and Charleen Solberg Family Fund Mike and Peggy Bullinger Family Endowment Fund Mission Physician Fund Nodak Family Fund Norberg Family Fund North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Endowment Fund

52 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Optometric Foundation of ND Endowment Fund Pam Solseng Ovarian Cancer Endowment Fund Paul Finstad Legacy Endowment Fund Phil and Dianna Hansen Family Fund Recovery Reinvented Fund Rick and Tracy Berg Family Fund Rob and Leanne Jordahl Family Giving Fund Robert and JoAnn Vollrath Family Fund Robert G. Rogers, MD Scholarship Endowment Fund Robert M. Arusell and Janelle C. Sanda Fund Rod & Diane Jordahl Community Benefit Fund Rust Sales, Inc. Charitable Endowment Fund Shine On Fund Sinner Bresnahan Healthy Kids Initiative Fund Sr. Mary Louise Jundt OSF Legacy Fund Strive Fund Susan Mathison, MD/Catalyst Cares Fund Swanson Health Products Healthy Community Fund Whitney Endowment Fund

fa it

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d e s

a b

Christian Adoption Services birth mother Kelsea

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FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Christian Adoption Services christianadopt.org 2360 7th Ave E #1, West Fargo

M

aybe I could have found a different agency or maybe I could have just ended up parenting, but I don't know if it would have felt the same. I don’t know if it would have been as positive of a decision that it was."

Kelsea found out she was pregnant in 2016 at a doctor's office and was given a list of options available to her, including a card for Christian Adoption Services, which felt right to her and her family.

Christian Adoption Services was officially founded in 1985 by husband and wife duo Darold and Patricia "Pat" Larson. It all began with an ad in the local paper that read: "Pregnant? Need help? Call Us.” Darold placed this ad shortly after a local abortion clinic had opened in town, and he wanted to make sure that women knew there were other options available. From their house, they began a grassroots organization, acting as a hotline and providing other relevant services to pregnant women. Pat was a registered nurse who was able to provide pregnancy tests and counseling services for women with an unexpected pregnancy through their home office.

During this time, they teamed with a local OB, Dr. Perry, who provided medical services to women facing unwanted pregnancies. He and his wife Judy also often opened their

home to these women. The Perrys tragically died in a car wreck in 1984, and the Perry Center was opened in their honor. This center is a full-service Christian maternity home for women needing a safe space while going through pregnancy.

In working with them and through the founding of this center, Darold felt they should be providing these women more than just a place to stay; they should also be providing adoption services. They followed the necessary steps and soon became a licensed adoption agency.

Since then, they have been helping women and adoptive couples in Minnesota and North Dakota with services from application all the way through post-placement services. Office Manager Cambria Larson said they cover everything from education and placement, to counseling and support. "We do a lot of education with them, a lot of times around openness and the relationship between the birth parents and adoptive parents. For many adoptive families who are initially starting the process, that is often the scariest concern. But further education can be helpful for families to understand the benefits of adoption openness for the child and for each member of the adoption circle."

"One of the big benefits for me was having a say in who I want my child to go to and having the opportunity to decide. Maybe I want someone who is similar to my family, or maybe I want someone completely different than my family. I have a say in it," Kelsea said. Explaining the process, she said, "You get to pick a family and then you get to meet them, and then after you meet them, you get to make the final decision. It's not just looking at the picture and thinking, 'Yeah, they're okay.'" But in her case, she didn't actually get to meet them beforehand because the day she was supposed to meet them was the day she gave birth. "[My daughter] chose for me. She was like, 'Yeah, these guys are

cool, trust me,'" Kelsea shared with a laugh.

Getting to pick the birth family and having an open adoption is a big benefit to both parties in many adoption cases. With Christian Adoption Services, another big benefit to many expectant mothers like Kelsea are weekly case manager meetings. "We would talk about how things were going, how I was feeling, what the next couple of steps was going to be. We would take it a little bit at a time. That way, I wouldn’t get overwhelmed, because you never really know how much goes into it until you are in it," Kelsea shared.

Every step of the way, Kelsea was given manageable steps and offered the ability to back out if she decided this wasn't for her after all. She told us, "They are very adamant about, 'Is this what you want? The family you want?

The decision you want?' So I’m super grateful for that: that I never felt like I was pressured or pushed into anything. Especially since it’s such a scary thing to begin with."

Christian Adoption Services hopes to continue to spread their mission and let more people know about the resources they have available and the education they can provide. Cambria said, "We are doing a lot of education in high schools and colleges, and we offer pregnancy resources in how to talk about adoption and use positive language and how [adoption] openness is so different than it used to be.

The education program is a big part of what we are doing in the community."

Along with education and awareness, they also have set up a small group for post-placement birth moms. "It's an opportunity to connect to each other and realize they are not the only birth mom in the entire state of North Dakota," Cambria said. Kelsea agreed: "We all went through basically the same experience, but everyone’s story is so much different. [It's] so great to just hear everybody’s stories."

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More Faith-Based Organizations in the FM Area Catholic Charities North Dakota Child Evangelism Fellowship of Fargo/ Moorhead "When you impact a child, you create a change that lasts a lifetime because that influences the rest of their life.

Giving children a safe place to be, with people who love them, can influence them to make positive choices.

We also teach good morals, which positively impacts choices that kids make, ultimately making them better citizens of our community." - Shari Wagner, Director of Advancement From Founder/Administrator, Patricia Larson

Clay County Jail Ministry

ABOUT CHRISTIAN ADOPTION SERVICES

Eastern North Dakota Synod, ELCA

Christian Family Life Services, Inc. (now Christian Adoption Services), was established in 1985 to assist young women struggling with an unplanned pregnancy while offering them a different alternative for her and her baby. We place a strong emphasis on the father's rights and work to engage them in the process, teach them their rights and encourage them to be supportive to the birth mother during her pregnancy.

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Outside of end-of-year giving, Giving Hearts Day is our largest source of donor income and our main introduction to new partners in the community. We've had amazing volunteers and great relationships with like-minded organizations come out of participating in Giving Hearts Day. We are working much

closer with three other like-minded organizations now to be more effective in reaching the faith community for our services.

SOMETHING NON-TANGIBLE CHRISTIAN ADOPTION SERVICES IS IN NEED OF

Prayer. The work we do is hard. We are always short-staffed in some way and travel a lot over North Dakota and Minnesota through all kinds of weather. Prayer support would be a blessing that we could not put a price on.

GOALS

Short Term: Build relationships with past clients and families to be potential donors.

Long-Term: Have a larger office, be able to pay staff more competitive salaries and open a small office or contracted social worker in western North Dakota and central Minnesota.

Jail Chaplains "I appreciate Jail Chaplains as I feel they are engaged in transformational work in the community. They are not merely putting a band-aid on problems, but are getting to the root issues, which include people's spiritual conditions and what is in their hearts."

- Tracy Alin, Amistad Worldwide PULSE Red River Youth for Christ St. Paul's Newman Center Younglife Fargo-Moorhead

57

UTH O Y

Youthworks alumna Aridasee Tisland

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FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Youthworks youthworksnd.org 317 S University Dr, Fargo

I

t was like it was meant for me to walk into Youthworks, because that is when my life completely changed."

Aridasee Tisland came to Youthworks in February 2018, looking to get back on her feet.

Youthworks is an organization that helps youth who are struggling with homelessness, may have run away from home or may have been trafficked.

Founded in Bismarck in 1986 and then in Fargo in 1991, they provide case management, independent living support and mentorship to at-risk youth. According to Aridasee, "[Youthworks] helps people know where to go. It helps them have hope that there's something out there that can get them through what they're going through."

At age 18, Aridasee was living in and out of her car. After a visit to a local public library, she found resources to help guide her how to get the basic needs she was missing. After looking up as many related topics as she could think of, she consulted lists of resources, called around and eventually found Youthworks.

"Making that phone call and getting over to Youthworks...

it was a lot of pressure because you had to say what was going on in order to get help. And sometimes talking about it is really hard, but I got in there and said what I needed. You gotta just say what you need, 'cause no one is going to know unless you tell them," said Aridasee.

When she called Youthworks, Transitional Living Program (TLP) coordinator Sheyenne Puetz answered and told her to come on in. Sheyenne told her that she had a meeting, but she was going to slide it off, so Aridasee was free to come on by. Once Aridasee arrived, Sheyenne met with her and discussed all her potential options on what she could choose to do.

Aridasee noted that even if you don't know exactly what you need, Youthworks listens and helps you find your path and the resources you need. "Youthworks is kind of the front door, and once you enter the front door, they have all these types of rooms of resources you can go in," she said. Through her experience with Youthworks, Aridasee said they gave her the resources to achieve success and guided her, but they let her lead. She described the relationship as them saying to her, "'Here I am, giving you this project to do. I’ve shown you all the pieces to the project, and I’m going to stand here and watch you put them all together.'"

She said, "It's not like they are trying to fix you; they are trying to help you fix what’s going on.

Never did they ever make me feel like I was a problem. Like I was the one that was struggling.

It was more like, 'This is your

situation. Now how do we change it? How do we make it better?"

Aridasee knew that her situation wasn't permanent, but she also knew she needed to find that resource that would help her get back up. She said, "I feel like it was fate that I walked into YouthWorks, that specific organization. I think it was fate that they got to where they are, so that when I got there, they could help me the way that they did."

Now that Aridasee is on her feet, housed and back in college, she serves on the advisory board at Youthworks. She serves as a youth voice, showing those who come to the organization the firsthand experiences she went through. In this role, she can say to those looking for help, "I understand. This is what I think would help you, because that would have helped me.”

The relationships she made and the impact of the hard work she saw all around her while she was receiving assistance from Youthworks inspired Aridasee to want to continue her relationship with them. "I saw the huge, huge impact that they were making on the different people who were walking in and out of their office the same time that I was. I saw the impact of the services and the relationships that they built with the many different youth and walked in and out," she said, "I saw what they were doing and how they had helped me and how hard they worked to help me, and I just wanted to be a part of something like that to once I got on my feet."

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Youthworks Project Manager Ethan Hoepfner

"It's not about what therapy or theory we use; it's all about relationships that impacts people's lives," said project manager Ethan Hoepfner.

Ethan is passionate about his work, having begun working at Youthworks when he was only 15. In high school, he mentored middle schoolers, and then in college, he worked in MIRACORPS before graduating from the University of Mary with a major in social work. "The legacy I want to leave is a legacy of relationships. The greatest thing about Youthworks is it's all about relationships," he said.

While the physical services that Youthworks provide are crucial to their mission, Ethan noted that it's largely about how people can change other people's lives.

He shared a story from when he first started peer mentoring and was paired with an individual who went on to have a lifelong struggle with addiction, run-ins with law enforcement, was in and out of probation and eventually, was sharing a jail cell with someone who was imprisoned for attempted murder. Throughout those years, Ethan always had his back and never gave up on giving him support. Now, he's three years in recovery, back in college, living on his own and has a full-time job. Ethan said, "He'll tell you that throughout every single therapy and addiction counseling service he went through throughout the county, the greatest support network that he had was Youthworks. He said, 'Ultimately, you could have given up on me 50 times, but you didn't. I gave up on myself when you didn’t.'"

A lot of the youth that they serve have adverse childhood experiences, including experiences of neglect and abuse, may that be emotional, physical or sexual. Ethan noted that adverse childhood 60 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

experiences can affect long term health conditions and threaten brain development, thus causing erratic behavior. "Knowing that that erratic behavior is less about the kid and more about a symptom of what's happened in their life, we have to have this mindset that ultimately, maybe they don't have control of their behavior. Maybe they just need a consistent support system in their life," Ethan said. He also said that what they do know about trauma in adverse childhood experiences is that it just takes one consistent person in someone's life to change their life.

Youthworks connects these atrisk youth with positive influences like Aridasee or Ethan and shows them what they have the potential to become. With Youthworks, you can't pinpoint one singular service they provide. From keeping youth from being homeless, to feeding kids that otherwise would go hungry, to guiding young-adults into identifying their strengths in unlikely places, there's not one blanket statement that can cover all that Youthworks does.

However, it can be said that whatever a kid's goal is, that is Youthwork's goal. Beyond meeting that basic need, Youthworks helps youth reach these goals, all while creating long-term relationships that make their successes that much stronger.

"I've had to do things that a typical 19 year old wouldn’t normally experience, but Youthworks never made me feel like I was different. They made me feel like I was extraordinary," Aridasee shared. "That’s the big impact they’ve had on me. From getting me a place to stay, to getting me food on my table, to giving me that encouragement.

Here I am today, standing here talking to you about how it’s no longer my journey, but it’s my story."

WHAT GIVES?

55 to Youthworks provides 22 meals

255 provides five nights of shelter

105 to Youthworks provides essential transportation

From Marketing & Community Relations Director Kari Flaagan

ABOUT YOUTHWORKS

At Youthworks, we help youth who are struggling with homelessness, youth who may have run away from home or youth who may have been trafficked. We have two offices located in Fargo and Bismarck. We provide support services to youth and their families to meet goals for strong, healthy relationships.

Through our programs, we are able to keep most kids in their own home and out of the juvenile justice system.

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

The dollars we raise on Giving Hearts Day impact our organization throughout the whole year. We are able to continue to provide counseling, food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities through donations given on Giving Hearts Day. Every dollar that we raise on Giving Hearts Day can be used as match money for our federal grants.

NEEDED DONATIONS

Donate food, diapers, hygiene items, warm socks, winter gear and gently used clothing to our drop-in facility. Our drop-in program allows youth ages 12-22 to come and

meet with a social worker and get essential every day items.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

To be able to hire more case aids, mentors and support staff to help clients meet their basic needs and help with independent living skills.

Also to be able to provide a safe and supportive place for our most vulnerable and LGBTQIA youth.

LONG-TERM GOALS

To eventually have a Youthworks "campus" that would be able to hold all of our programs including an out of school suspension classroom, emergency youth shelter, drop-in center, transitional living apartments and recreational space for the youth we serve in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo communities.

WHAT WOULD BE LOST IN THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT YOU?

Without Youthworks, there would be no specialized services for runaway, homeless and trafficked youth. The community would lose a safe place for youth in crisis to go to receive shelter, professional counseling and family services.

More Youth Organizations in the FM Area

Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley

4-H Foundation of North Dakota

Fargo Angels Youth Hockey

American Gold Gymnastics Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Village "About 70 kids are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, and the wait can be up to two years. Bigs spend about four hours a month with their Little and make a huge difference just by hanging out. Male volunteers especially are needed." Sherri Hashbarger, Director of Marketing and Communications - The Village Family Service Center BIO Girls "Ask any one of our site leaders or mentors, and they can share stories of the growth they see firsthand during the course of the program. We always say that if we can positively impact the self-esteem of one girl, we have done our job." - Missy Heilman, Founder and Executive Director Boy Scouts of America, Northern Lights Council "In 2017, the Northern Lights Council was ranked #6 out of over 260 councils nationwide for excellence in program delivery, membership growth, unit service, leadership and governance and finance; critical components to the robust and sustainable service to our community and the youth and families we serve." - Dale D. Musgrave, Senior Development Director

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Fargo Youth Hockey Association Girl Scouts- Dakota Horizons Girls on the Run Cass County Kamp KACE Legacy Children's Foundation Make-A-Wish North Dakota "In the world of a child with a critical illness, they hear the 'no' a lot. No, they can't go home. No, they can't play sports and run around with their friends. No, you're not done fighting the disease. But Make-A-Wish comes in and asks these kids to dream big, and we say 'yes.'" - Tori Schrantz, Communications and Outreach Coordinator Moorhead Police Athletics and Activities League Moorhead Youth Hockey Outdoor Adventure Foundation "Outdoor Adventure Foundation provides hunting, fishing and other adventures for youths diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. We also provide the adventures for disabled veterans that are wheelchair bound or lost a limb due to combat. Outdoor Adventure

Foundation is an all-volunteer organization making big dreams come true." - Brian Solum, President PATH "With 40 percent of youth aging out of foster care experiencing homelessness by age 21 in North Dakota, PATH’s Independent Living Program is crucial for setting youth up for success to prevent homelessness and poverty as they venture into adulthood." -Sonja Stang, Director of Community Relations Pledge to Protect Scottish Rite Speech and Language Center for Children, Fargo Serenity Christian Homes Shoes for Kids The Cullen Children's Foundation The Great North Pole Tri-City Storm Soccer Club uCodeGirl "We are fortunate to have a wide range of support for our mission from the community, the nation and the world at large. uCodeGirl has enjoyed receiving donations from all seven continents, including Antarctica, for two years in a row." - Betty Gronneberg, Founder

63

I MPACT

FU D N S

Longspur Prairie Fund's Founder Peter Schultz and Assistant Director Cady Ann Rutter

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FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Longspur Prairie Fund longspurprairie.org 4141 28th Avenue S, Fargo

T

hese guys are talking about us – where we live – they’re talking about us like we talk about the Amazon, the way we talk about polar bears or black rhinos.”

Ten years ago, Peter Schultz, a classical archaeologist by training, found himself looking at an “Endangered Ecologies of the World” display in the courtyard of London’s British Museum.

On the display, the number one endangered ecology was labeled as the high grass prairies of North America, a pin on the map right in the middle of the Red River Valley. Something clicked for him.

He turned to his wife, Darcie, and said, "We’ve gotta do something about this."

Back home, Peter established the Longspur Prairie Fund, a nonprofit aimed at conserving our local natural heritage, right here in our own backyard. LPF’s mission is to foster the experiences, insights and pleasures found in the native landscapes of the Red River Valley. One of its primary goals is to protect the native plants, animals and habitats of our area while teaching the wisdom of the prairie through the arts and sciences. ​

According to Peter, the Red River Valley has little prairie left because it's one of the most fertile basins in the world; so much of the land is cultivated.

of attention—and they’re super important—but they're always at an arm’s length. This is about us.

About doing something here. This is our land.”

So how do you talk about conservation where agriculture is king?

"We're not saying that the Amazon isn’t important or what's going on in Africa isn’t important.

Of course, it's important. All local habitats are part of the global ecological tapestry which makes our planet great. But for us, what's important is what we have here and what we can do to protect it," Peter shared.

“Why don't we take care of what we have? You can actually go there and walk around on it! You can see things that don't exist anywhere else in the world!" While the prairie might not have the same ‘drama’ as the mountains of Colorado, the deserts of the Sahara or the rainforests of Costa Rica, it's ours and it's just as unique, just as special.”

“You have to talk straight with the folks who own the land,” he said.

“We’re a pro-business and pro-farm conservation outfit.

We aren’t out there trying to get somebody to take their prime soybean field out of production, turn it into a nature park," said Peter. "What we want is the wet stuff – the stuff that nobody wants to farm, we want to turn that lead into gold. More to the point, we have to demonstrate concrete value to the farms and businesses of our area, or this will never work.”

In the game of ecological Back at the British Museum, conservation, once it's gone, it’s Peter's wife said to him, "Alright, gone for good. The Longspur go do something." And he hasn't Prairie Fund aims to maintain the aspects "I think the visuals out there are enough to of our local stop your heart. I mean, they’re fantastic. landscape that make it so We have some of the most beautiful land unique. “This in the world, and it’s only 30 minutes away is happening from here." -Peter Schultz in our own backyard, so we shouldn't have to rely on outside agencies and stopped "doing something" resources from around the world since. Peter and the Longspur to influence us, we ourselves Prairie Fund urge everyone to get should be the ones taking action. involved with the preservation of It’s important because it’s ours. the beauty in their own backyard.

This isn't a melting glacier, it's He said, "If that 'trying' that not a polar bear drowning in you're doing is at home, then it’s warming seas. It's our local issue. not 'trying,' it's doing."

Those other things attract a lot 65

Photo by John Borge

Photo by Cathryn Erbele

From Director Peter Schultz

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day rests at the very center of LPF’s annual public fundraising. It is, truly, the beating heart of our outfit’s programming and mission. It’s the only day of the year – the only day – during which we ask for public support. I mean, think about this for a second: How much non-profit mail do you get?

For my wife and I, we get about five to 10 pieces of mail each year from each charity that we’re involved with; it’s a lot. So our thought is: Why not just do everything on one big day – go bonkers – and then leave folks alone for the rest of the year? I know that might seem a little strange, but it works for us and, more importantly, it works for our donors, our friends, our patrons and our sponsors – the people who make this whole thing go. If you’re looking for proof of the model’s power, I think you see it quite clearly via the massive growth Giving Hearts Day has seen over the last several years. I mean look at the growth curve! It’s bananas! That tells us that this model is strong, that people like to celebrate the year with a day of generosity, that it’s both fun and convenient to do so, and that it works.

A SURPRISING NEED

Well, we’re always on the lookout for those little, tiny pieces of land that sit right outside most folks’

66 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

front windows: their front yards. Our new micro-prairie program installs a fully articulated prairie seed mix smack-dab in the front of a private house. They're maintenance free, once established. The critters love them. And they're beautiful. We’ll be opening enrollment in the fall of 2019, so if there are any folks out there who’d like to see a drop-dead gorgeous swath of prairie outside their house, give us a call!

WHAT LONGSPUR PRAIRIE FUND COULD DO WITH MORE FUNDS

Longspur Prairie Fund's primary focus revolves around working with local farmers to acquire wet and marginal cropland that can be restored to its native state. Once restored, a parcel can serve as habitat for local wildlife and a site for public recreation (hunting, camping, hiking, etc.), in addition to providing other ecological services. At Longspur Prairie Fund, we’re deeply involved in several large scale initiatives with other NGO partners, but money is always the issue. For us there is a very simple solution to the question of “How do you protect nature?” For us, you buy land, you restore it, then you open it to the public. Clean, simple and effective.

But again, you gotta have cash to make that impact real. We’re in the middle of a project that spans the entire length of the Red River Valley,

from the Canadian border to South Dakota – but we need support to make the dream a reality.

LONG-TERM GOALS

We have big plans for a “Tiny House on the Prairie” that would serve as a retreat, study center, library and hunting cabin out on our Ulen Prairie site. We’re a ways off from making this happen, but who knows... Could be that there is an imaginative nature-lover reading this right now who loves the idea of a good old-fashioned cabin out on the prairie, a venue to support and inspire all those who love our area’s natural heritage.

PROGRESS

Going from a fuzzy daydream to being a fully articulated organization that directly impacts over 10,000 acres of restored habitat in the High Plains is pretty exciting. But, for me, I think the most satisfying work is getting city folks back out onto the land. Our farming friends get to see it all the time, but you can forget how incredible, how unique, how majestic the High Plains are when you’re constantly surrounded by parking lots. Thousands of people from the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas were directly impacted by our programming last year. We’re very proud of that growth.

WHAT GIVES?

240 /YEAR

to Longspur Prairie Fund adopts 1 acre, making you a Prairie Partner

1,200 /YEAR

More Impact Funds to Longspur Prairie Fund adopts 5 acres, making you a Prairie Steward

to Longspur Prairie Fund adopts 10 acres, making you a Prairie Warden

AUF - DCDC (Dakota Certified Development Corporation) Fund Badges of Unity Fund - Fargo Police Department Cando Connection Fund

2,400 /YEAR

altures Endowment Fund

Cando Library Foundation Fund Charles and Carol Iten Family Endowment Fund Clubs Fore Kids Fund David and Mary E. Gibb Youth Golf Fund

4,800 /YEAR

Fill the Dome Fund Financial Literacy Initiative Fund Innovative ND Education Fund Par 4 Youth Golf Fund Philanthropy and Youth Fund POWER Fund Red River Market Rodger Johnson Fund Sandhills Archery Club Fund

to Longspur Prairie Fund adopts 20 acres, making you a Prairie Sun *Every acre of restored prairie can store more than a metric ton of carbon, provide habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife, sustain hundreds of different species of native grasses and flowers and astonish you with the beauty of our region's natural heritage.

Spirit of Fargo Fund Support Our Veterans (SOV) Fund Task Force on Higher Education Governance Fund Task Force on Veteran Affairs Women's Impact Fund 67

t s r a&culture

Plains Art Museum's Director and CEO Andy Maus (L), artist/teacher Hayden Swanson (M) and Director of Education and Social Engagement Netha Cloeter (R)

68 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Plains Art Museum plainsart.org 704 1st Ave N, Fargo

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think Fargo, in its soul, is an arts community. Given the region that we're in, there aren't very many arts organizations in that geography," said director and CEO of Plains Art Museum, Andy Maus. "We're serving not only these needs here locally, we're serving these needs regionally, which is a different relationship than art museums typically have."

The Plains Art Museum showcases Native American, folk and contemporary art, but is not just a viewing place for visual arts. On top of typical museum offerings, it houses The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity, artist studios, a Fargo Public Schools partnership and hosts a variety of artist lectures and seminars throughout the year. "A center for art making and a museum on the same campus is pretty unique. That’s something we have that a lot of other communities don’t have," said Andy.

Hayden Swanson of Livin' The Dream Pottery is a resident artist and a teacher at the museum, serving as part of the Center for Creativity and the learning resources that they provide.

Hayden has been a teaching artist

there for three years, teaching children ages kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Fargo Public School program.

He teaches the majority of the youth after-school programs, an adult Clay for Couples and Clay Sampler program as well as a teen ceramics class. Hayden also assists in outreach and events for the museum.

"I feel like I hit the jackpot. I'm able to teach quite consistently and then I have that free time to still be able to make all my pots," said Hayden. "I make tons of pots and tons of work, I otherwise would never be able to do that without this job." This partnership with the Plains Art Museum allows Hayden to pursue his love of pottery and to pass along his skills and knowledge to the community. With a knack for teaching and a great relationship with children, he has turned his passion into a full-time job while still having the time and resources to pursue his own projects.

According to Andy, the partnership with Fargo Public Schools and the lessons students learn in classes with teachers like Hayden is valuable. "It’s a much more in-depth experience than most school trips to art museums. It goes to show that this community values art education," said Andy. Hayden agreed, noting that teaching art to children and getting them involved in making their own art is transformative.

"They start asking the right questions, they see things a little bit differently," said Hayden.

An education in and access to the arts creates better problem solving and creative thinking that can be applied to many fields.

With the Fargo Public School partnership, the students involved become very familiar with the museum, as well as the Center for Creativity. The museum's director of education and social engagement Netha Cloeter said, "By the second time they're coming, they're leading the tour basically and they have a sense of belonging at the Plains Art Museum."

Netha remarked that she regularly sees a boost to students selfesteem when they've completed an art project. Learning by working in the arts introduces a problem solving that you have to do to bring a project from ideation to completion. "When you're looking at a piece of art, there's not a black and white answer we're looking for. A single piece of art doesn't mean one single thing. So students have to think and be exposed to ambiguity and think in the gray a little more," said Netha. She noticed that student's tolerance for when things don't have a right or wrong answer increases when they are exposed to that kind of thinking.

In a visual world with digital media being so prominent, Plains Art Museum's programs gives students the tools to become smart, critical thinkers when they are looking at visual objects.

Andy added, "We're not doing ceramics classes so that we have more ceramics in the world.

That’s part of it, but we also want better citizens and better thinkers."

With free general admission, the Plains Art Museum has also become a community place, in addition to an educational center.

Andy said, "People need their third places. It's well documented 69

The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity is a multipurpose arts facility offering classes for the entire community, as well as studio and exhibition space for learning, discussion and display of creative work. The Plains Art Museum’s studio programs focus on developing people’s potential for deeper learning and problem solving through 21st-century skills: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. A skybridge connects the original museum building with this 25,500 square foot expansion.

- well understood - that people have their workplace and their home place, and then they need those third places. We think that in a community like Fargo, those third places are most naturally an art museum."

In Fargo's long winters, there is a sense of social isolation that can occur, especially with the spread-out geography of the region. The museum serves as a gathering place, facilitating social interaction and cultural exchange. Visiting the museum or partaking in the adult classes that Hayden teaches are activities often designed for groups, further encouraging social and cultural interactions.

These classes sometimes even provide more than just a creative outlet for participants. Hayden shared, "In one of my first Clay for Couples classes there was a couple, Gabe and Kristen Rheault, in the class. Within a year of that first class, they had bought their own wheel, set up a space in their basement and were selling their goods at Christkindlemarkt, where they actually sold out of pots." Known as Fargo Mean Muggin, Gabe and Kristen found that pottery was an activity they could do together 70 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

and became immersed in the art.

"Now it's a family business, but it's also the experience of making things together. Most couples don't have that thing," added Andy.

This is just one of many stories that has come out of Plains Art Museum. Whether it's a couple finding a new way they can spend time together, a child learning new techniques for how to view the world or a visitor becoming refreshed and inspired by the works of art within the museum's walls, the Plains Art Museum is an invaluable asset to our community.

Fargo gets to host something truly unique with this combination of a museum, educational program and studio space all under one umbrella. Thanks to this community accessible space for the creation of arts and art education, a society of tolerant and socially engaged people is emerging. "Making art is for everyone. [People] have access to this creative thing and it doesn’t have to be any specific thing and it doesn’t have to be great. But making things is part of what’s great about being human," said Andy.

More Arts & Culture Organizations in the FM Area Bonanzaville - Cass County Historical Society "We share the rich history of the Red River Valley, artifacts you would not have the opportunity to see anywhere else locally, and demonstrations of yesteryear. Educating the community is the most important piece of what we do at Bonanzaville." -Missy Warren, Special Events & Wedding Coordinator Creative Plains Foundation Cultural Diversity Resources Emerging Prairie Fargo Air Museum "To help, volunteer your time during our camps, our Veteran's Coffee Hour (thanks to Sandy's Donuts for the donuts each month!), attend our annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction or donate auction items. Get engaged in our mission!" -Jackie Williams.

Fargo Invaders Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre "With greater funding, we could provide more classes to more children, making sure that every child has the opportunity to grow into a well-

rounded individual through theatre education. Our education programs saw a 31% increase in the number of students last season compared to the previous season, and we see that growth continuing this season." -Eloise Breikjern, Executive Director Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra Fargo-Moorhead Opera "FM Opera is the only professional opera company within 250+ miles any direction and is proud to be uniquely positioned as the smallest city in the United States to have professional opera offered to it's community."

-Shirley Leiphon, Relationship Director FM Ballet "We had a collaborative performance and Bonanzaville last Christmas, and a young woman came up to me after the performance and said 'this was a magical night for me and my mother.

She has been so ill that I have not been able to take her to the ballet, she loves the ballet, so because you made this so close to our home and so accessible, we were able to make it to see the ballet. Her heart was filled with the beauty and grace of dance once again.

GHD donations make things like this possible." -Matt Gasper, Artistic Director Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

Immigrant Development Center Lake Agassiz Concert Band Prairie Public Probstfield Farm Living History Foundation Red River Dance "One of our favorite donor stories came from someone who knew how important dance was for another dancer that couldn't afford it and paid for their tuition anonymously." -Haylee Thompson, Program Director Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band "One of our very generous donors heard our band play for the very first time this year. He pulled me aside and said to me, 'Now I get it'"- Cynthia Arnhold.

Theatre B The Human Family "Donations provided on Giving Hearts Day will help make the documentary series "Home. The Homelessness Crisis in North Dakota" free to individuals and agencies to use to help educate communities about the invisible epidemic. " -Sean Coffman, Executive Director The Master Chorale of Fargo Moorhead Trollwood Performing Arts School

I ILTY

I S D ABICE S SERV & RESOURCES

TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics' Executive Director Kim Pladson 72 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics tntkidsfitness.org 2800 Main Ave, Fargo

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t TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics, a lively child in a wheelchair and a child aspiring to be an Olympic gymnast can express themselves through movement side-by-side. This gym is a community for all.

"TNT, from the beginning, has been designed to offer a physical movement with an educational background to support children’s development, but also to include children of all abilities," explained executive director Kim Pladson.

"It’s geared to be inclusive and to have peers work side-by-side.

The barriers are left at the door, because here, you’re just a child experiencing movement."

Kim is the founding vision behind TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics.

When she founded TNT in 2006, her goal was to have a facility that would include children of all abilities who would have a place to get up and move, any day or time they please. Kim said, "I spent 11 years in public school, and I always saw children in hallways doing physical activity, and it’s really at no fault of the schools; it's more about having

space and having the facility to accommodate them." With the establishment of TNT, these children that were once playing in the hallways can now have a space to go that is dedicated to movement and playfulness. "We serve 36 schools on a weekly basis, with over 350 children with special needs, and every single child has a different need," Kim shared.

Speaking from what she has seen in her years of experience with TNT, Kim said, "What happens is, if you see a child with a feeding tube or an oxygen tank or in a wheelchair, we already assume that they have this box that they live in. When they get to put all that away and they get to express themselves freely in a movementbased opportunity, everyone, their parents, the school, whoever it is, they will always say, 'I never knew they could do that.'" By opening the possibility to children of all strengths and talents to be active and just be children, these kids are able to achieve all sorts of goals and landmarks that either they or their parents never thought possible.

Early on in the beginning years of TNT, Kim experienced a memorable moment, one of many she would see throughout the years: "A mom came running into my office and said 'You need to come out to the gym right away.'

And at first I had a fearful feeling about it. Her daughter was in a wheelchair, and she is a very special individual. She didn't have enough strength in her core and her neck to hold her head up, but jumping on the trampoline time after time after time built stability in her core and her neck. Her mom was in tears and she said,

'For the first time, I’ve sat across the table eating dinner with her, and she could hold her head up and I could see her eye to eye.'"

Stories like this happen all the time at TNT thanks to the physical and emotional strength they teach. All children have goals they want to achieve. A child attempting to complete a double back in gymnastics doesn't always have this skill come easy to him or her. "If you think about the scenario of a child trying and trying and trying to master a skill, and then that child watches a child in a wheelchair jumping on a trampoline in their chair, what do you think that dynamic is? This girl is over here trying to master her skill in tears, and she might have bad days, but the girl in tears is watching the girl in the wheelchair and thinking, 'Wow, my life could be so different.'"

Kim said. "It perpetuates an 'I can' attitude because the barriers are gone, and, at the end of the day, they are all children trying to accomplish whatever their best is.

It’s a peer-to-peer thing."

With more awareness of their mission and more people donating to their cause, TNT can continue to make an impact on children and help expand their breadth of abilities and compassion for one another.

"A third of our population are children, but they are 100 percent of our future. We need to plan for them and we need to find what their gifts are, and that's what we are about here at TNT," said Kim. The "I can" attitude that TNT instills in children prepares them to be our leaders of tomorrow with the confidence and strength to match.

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WHAT GIVES? From Executive Director, Kim Pladson

ABOUT TNT

TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics is an organization that helps individuals of all abilities unlock their potential through movement.

No matter what the ability level, every individual has the same opportunities at TNT. TNT does way more than just gymnastics and special needs. From infants learning how to roll over to senior citizens battling the effects of Parkinson's Disease, TNT helps them overcome obstacles and break through barriers.

GIVE HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

Giving Hearts Day has perpetuated a movement to raise awareness and support organizations in their community. It specifically has allowed our organization to grow our programs, continue to purchase equipment that serves all abilities and maintain a professional staff to serve our diverse clientele. In 2011 we served 2,666 individuals; today we have served 10,681 throughout the year. Giving Hearts Day has inspired our organization to heighten our awareness of our mission, create many lasting relationships within its community and demonstrate the impact of each gift.

A MEMORABLE DONOR STORY

One of the most magical and heartfelt experiences we can share with an individual that visits TNT is to give them a tour and experience first-hand the impact on the children we serve. One in particular was an individual watching a child with special needs come out of his wheelchair and have the ability to move with freedom. By watching, he realized their abilities and how each child craves movement. In conversation, he understood there was a financial barrier for the family to receive services weekly, and their visits were restricted due to financial hardships. His heart was captured 74 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

by the joy in this child’s face; he made a gift that day to pay for the child to come to TNT weekly for a whole year!

WHAT TNT COULD DO WITH MORE DONATIONS

TNT continues to grow because of the support of the community. As more donations come in, TNT is able to keep expanding our services to provide opportunities to a wider range of individuals by expanding programs and introducing new ones. One in particular is a partnership with the Fargo Police Department and Youthworks.

This program introduced by the Fargo PD gives at-risk youth an opportunity to connect with positive role models during the summer months. This group visited TNT four days a week during the six-week camp. With more donations, we can ensure this program is available to more children in our community.

LONG-TERM GOALS

Long term goals are exciting. We want a mini-campaign to finish the construction of the TNT facility to include an allocated space for preschool programming. This is the largest growing population serving 800+ children each week and growing. There are approximately 6,000 square feet left to complete all spaces.

PROGRESS

Progress has been felt in so many ways. An eight-year organization accomplished a $5.6 million dollar expansion with three onsite collaborative partners, record numbers being served, recruited and sustained professional staff, and our vision and mission aligning and threaded throughout our organization presenting a strong and unified team.

30 to TNT would cover the cost for one individual to take part in TNT's No Limits Fitness program for one month.

This program gives adults with special needs an opportunity to workout with their peers at TNT.

More Disability Services & Resources in the FM Area Anne Carlsen Center "This year at prom, a family's son, with staff assistance, was able to stand for the first dance...more impactful, his mother cut in and had her first dance with her son. Nurturing Abilities, Changing Lives." - Eric Wilkie, Chief Development Officer Assistive

60 to TNT would make it possible for an individual with special needs to receive two 30-minute therapy sessions per month.

CCRI "I have worked at CCRI for 20 years.

In the beginning, everyone lived in apartments in one central location.

Today, we have more than 30 homes spread throughout the community.

We have also learned to celebrate the stories of the people we serve, the community that supports us and the families that rely on us! Instead of talking about services, we talk about people." Jody Hudson, Development Director CHI Friendship "This pursuit of person-centered excellence can be seen in the individual success stories at CHI Friendship.

Whether it’s Lynn lighting his church’s candles for the 500th time, Brian receiving another Taekwondo belt or Gerald reuniting with his long-lost sisters after 62 years, people are achieving their goals and dreams every day." Grant Fogel Farm in the Dell of the RRV Fraser, Ltd. Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc

Handi-Wheels Transportation "Handi-Wheels serves a particular niche in the transportation needs of our community. We accept North Dakota Medical Assistance or Medicaid through the North Dakota Department of Human Services. We bill the state directly on behalf of qualifying passengers for rides to and from medical appointments.

No other transportation agency in the Fargo-West Fargo area works as closely with Medicaid to break down the barrier of obtaining accessible and affordable transportation." - Tonna Horsley, Executive Director HOPE, Inc. Mind Shift North Dakota Association of the Blind North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. "One nonprofit that we greatly admire is the North Dakota Autism Center. We had the pleasure of working closely with them to create our Sensory Friendly programming, which aims to increase access to and inclusion in the arts for our community’s children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Their team was incredibly helpful, ensuring that our team was well-educated and offering support at every step of the process. Their dedication to their mission and the people and families they serve inspires us to continue fighting for our mission and serving our community to the best of our ability." - Eloise Breikjern, Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre The Arc of Cass County Vocational Training Center

GiGi's Playhouse 75

U C T D O I N A E

Haley's Hope tutor Lynda Slininger and her daughters, Violet (L) and Bellamy (R) 76 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Haley's Hope haleyshope.org 1150 Prairie Pkwy, West Fargo

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've been where you are."

Lynda Slininger knows what it's like to see your own child struggling with dyslexia.

When she learned that her eldest daughter, Bellamy, had dyslexia, she came to Haley's Hope for guidance. The mission of Haley’s Hope is to change how people recognize and understand the way those with dyslexia learn. Founder and director Kari Bucholz said, "Education should have a positive impact on the lives of children.

It should give knowledge, build confidence and help them to discover their passions in life."

However, having dyslexia often robs students of both educational and life skills. Founded in 2011, Haley’s Hope offers one-on-one tutoring for reading, spelling and writing and is the only regional resource that specializes in addressing the many challenges people with dyslexia face.

Haley's Hope offers a fidelity based Orton-Gillingham program that teaches children how to read and write on their own. Lynda saw through her daughter's fouryear experience with the program and now is taking what she got

out of Haley's Hope and giving it back. "When she graduated from the program, it was like we were leaving family; it was hard," she said. Lynda knew she wasn't ready to leave this organization that changed the lives of her and her daughter.

Rather than thanking them for their services and going their separate ways, Lynda now tutors at Haley's Hope. "I used to teach in public schools, and now I homeschool, so I’ve worked with [Bellamy] and I know what it's like to work with a student who is dyslexic," said Lynda, "Tutoring at Haley’s Hope really feels like familiar ground, and I am passionate about it."

anyone who has come before me, but I’ve had people say things to me like, 'My child has a new confidence,' and I know some of the anxiety has been reduced for them."

Tracy Dunham, Director of Operations for Haley's Hope, said, "These kids are struggling now, but our dyslexic kids have above-average intelligence. They are creative, they are intelligent, they are our next entrepreneurs, they are our next discoverers.

They are pretty amazing. They think outside the box, and they struggle with reading and spelling, but they are amazing kids."

With the help from tutors like Lynda at Haley's Hope, these

"I get it.

When I meet parents, I feel Founded in 2011, Haley’s Hope offers onelike I’ve been on-one tutoring for reading, spelling and on all sides. writing and is the only regional resource I was on the other side that specializes in addressing the many of the desk challenges people with dyslexia face. crying when I found out my daughter has dyslexia. It felt overwhelming, amazing kids are able to reach and now I’m on the opposite their full potential. Bucholz noted side, tutoring," she noted, while that the biggest gift you can give admitting that she gets emotional to Haley's Hope is giving those just talking about it. "When I first who are struggling with dyslexia started, I was working with kids a voice in their community. The like my daughter, and I knew what more people share their story with they were struggling with and facing the challenges of dyslexia, how hard they had to work just the more dyslexia moves from a with reading and spelling." disability to a gift.

Her compassion and ability to empathize with these students and their families make her able to hit those break-through moments. "I’m not discrediting

"So many people are struggling and they don’t know we are here in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We are here, we are ready to help," Tracy said.

77

WHAT GIVES?

From Founder and Director, Kari Bucholz

GIVING HEARTS DAY'S IMPACT

The sheer exposure of dyslexia and the financial impact through our involvement in GHD has allowed us to grow and reach more of the one in five with dyslexia in our community. We would not be where we are today without GHD. However, Haley's Hope has been impacted in numerous ways beyond the financial impact during Giving Hearts Day. Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation have taught us invaluable skills in what it means to be true to our mission and change lives through and with the generous financial and supportive donations of others.

A MEMORABLE DONATION

A few years ago, a young man took $20 of his own money and brought the cash to us on Giving Hearts Day. Every year, I am reminded that every donation, no matter the size, is given because the donor believes in our mission of helping others.

WHAT HALEY'S HOPE COULD DO WITH MORE DONATIONS

Haley’s Hope has successfully helped hundreds of children and adults with dyslexia gain needed literacy skills in order to navigate their educational and professional environments. Haley’s Hope’s main service is offering one-on-one tutoring in reading and spelling; however, we also see a need to create programs in comprehensive skill-building. Our Creative Learning Programs [in development] are tailored to the unique cognitive process of each student, guiding 78 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

them down the best path to success. Through additional handwriting, math and study skill programs, we are able to break through another layer of defeat and frustration our clients feel on a daily basis. The more we can raise, the sooner we will be able to offer these programs.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

While we have made great strides in educating the public about dyslexia in the last eight years, it is still misunderstood by many people, including educational professionals.

Dyslexia affects one in five people and is the most common learning disability in our nation (National Institute of Health). Haley's Hope is looking forward to increasing dyslexia awareness in 2019 and beyond.

WHAT WOULD BE LOST IN THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT HALEY'S HOPE?

Without proper assessment and instruction, parents and schools retreat to old approaches like forcing more reading, only compounding the problem.

Students get improperly channeled into costly special education programs and without effective solutions they may never "graduate" to regular classrooms. Children are sometimes blamed for "not trying hard enough," and relationships become combative. Often teased, students become quiet, lose motivation, have few friends and come to hate school.

55 to Haley's Hope will bring the gift of learning how to read and write.

More Education Organizations in the FM Area

Moorhead Schools Legacy Foundation

African Soul, American Heart "There are many South Sudanese refugees in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

African Soul, American Heart's work educates our community about the ongoing war in South Sudan that caused them to flee. I hope we inspire the community to learn more about the refugees in their midst, as well as helping ASAH provide for those left behind." - Debra Dawson, Board President

NDSU School of Nursing "We need volunteers to serve as standardized patients in simulation or as patients for our family nurse practitioner students’ competency exams." - Carla Gross, Associate Dean

Bison Strides Central Cass Dollars for Scholars Concordia College Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation Grace Lutheran School Junior Achievement "Last year, Junior Achievement doubled our match sponsor dollars, allowing us to have our most successful Giving Hearts Day to date. Because of that success, we were able to provide education to additional students we hadn't originally budgeted for." - Karen Berntson, Fargo-Moorhead District Director M State Foundation and Alumni Minnesota State University Moorhead Alumni Foundation

NDSCS Foundation

North Dakota Head Start Association Oak Grove Lutheran School "We would like to grow and enhance our facilities on both campuses to accommodate the growth we have seen, and expect to continue to see, in students and at the same time continue to enhance the students’ learning experiences in all the ways reflective of our mission and values." - Shellie Simonson Ulven, Church Relations and Development Park Christian School St. John Christian Preschool "I would like people to realize that how we speak to children affects how they see themselves. If we see greatness in them and tell them the proof of their greatness, they live it more each day." Jana Bruhschwein, Preschool Director/ Teacher St. John Paul II Catholic Schools St. Joseph's School - Moorhead West Fargo Educational Foundation

ON FEBRUARY 14TH, BE COUNTED AS A

GIVING HEART

Giving Hearts Day is the largest 24-hour giving event in the region. This year, count yourself in as one of the thousands of people who support hundreds of nonprofits in our community.

How to Get Involved

Give online at GivingHeartsDay.org

Note that your gift will be matched up to the amount of match funds raised by each charity

Write a check out to your chosen charity dated February 14 and ensure the charity receives it by February 14

Give the Gift of Giving Encourage others to give by gifting them a Giving Hearts Day gift card from Dakota Medical Foundation. Gift cards are available in any amount of $10 or more.

You can donate to as many charities as your giving heart desires! In 2018, the average donor gave to 2.3 charities.

Become a Charity Champion - Text CountMe to the number 345345 or email GHDInfo@ dakmed.org to get started

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CHARITIES AT GIVINGHEARTSDAY.ORG 80 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Photos by Britta the Photographer

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HOW TO BE A

Charitable

Champion You can make a tremendous impact where you are.

Your friends, family, faith community or coworkers can dramatically brighten the lives of others by becoming Giving Hearts Day Charity Champions.

A Giving Hearts Day "Champion" ignites others to experience the joy of giving by following an easy schedule of activities to help great causes raise more for their missions!

82 | JANUARY 2019 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

To get started as a Charity Champion, just follow these three easy steps:

Step 1

Step 2

Text CountMe to 345345 or email GDHinfo@DakMed.org

Check your email for your welcome message and helpful resources

Step 3

Recruit two or more people to join you as a Charity Champion, and follow the schedule below to join the wave of generosity

Your Champion Calendar for Making an Impact

Kick Off

January 14-18

Pick up your Champion packet filled with promotional items at Dakota Medical Foundation.

4141 28th Ave. S, Fargo

Awareness Week

January 21-25

Turn everything red by decorating your office, putting up Giving Hearts Day yard signs, placing Giving Hearts Day stickers on your cars and use the other resources from your packet.

Appreciation Week

January 28 February 1

Lift up other Giving Hearts you know by sending two or more postcards from your packet or by sending personal messages of gratitude each day.

Activation Week

February 4-8

Personally message your Charity Champion friends and others in your network about Giving Hearts Day.

Contribute

February 11-14

Donate on February 14 and remind your network it's Giving Hearts Day! Consider hosting a small gathering to give and appreciate givers on the day.

Say Thanks

February 14-15

Post a thank you on social media and personally thank those you know who gave to make a difference.

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More Ways To Be A Giving Heart On Giving Hearts Day

1

2

3

Invite others to become a Charity Champion

Involve your business in the Giving Hearts Spirit

Sponsor a classroom

Text or email a similar message to friends:

Providing opportunities to contribute to charitable causes in the workplace is proven to increase employee engagement and performance, as well as improve the overall culture of an organization.

Consider sponsoring a classroom as an individual, a volunteer team (such as a service club or church) or a business. This program invites you to purchase a $10 gift card for each student in the class (approximately $200 total). Each student will get to experience the joy of giving through service or by being taught about generosity and supporting our neighbors and those that need us.

"You have come to my mind as someone who would also enjoy helping others. I have signed up to be a Charity Champion for Giving Hearts Day. My goal is to spread the opportunity to support causes like [organization/s] and spread the joy of giving. I invite you to join in supporting my cause or another cause that speaks to your heart on the largest giving day in the region, during which all donations to participating charities are matched by $4,000 or more by generous supporters. To join, text CountMe to 345345 or email GHDInfo@dakmed.org."

There are numerous options from small to large to get involved with helping causes on Giving Hearts Day. There is marketing support to raise the awareness of your business as a giving one, gift card opportunities, employee match giving and much more.

To sponsor a classroom, contact Jenny Davis at JDavis@dakmed.org or 701-238-6319

To get your business involved with making a difference for charities through Giving Hearts Day, contact Jenny Davis at JDavis@ dakmed.org 701-238-6319.

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Discovering Your QUIZ

QUIZ

Want to help but need some extra guidance on what direction to take?

There are countless ways to be a Giving Heart, but broadly speaking, there are four potential possibilities for how someone feels when contributing to a cause. Take this quiz and tally up your results to find out what kind of Giving Heart you are!

Most of us are a blend of all four types, but this assessment will help identify the central way in which you feel the most fulfilled when contributing your time and talent.

1. When it comes to giving my time to nonprofit causes, I feel best about a cause when...

A

I am part of a team that is working and assisting others in a positive manner.

B

I get to be part of something that helps make things fair for others and is making a difference.

2. Which of the following would your family or close friends say is most like you?

A

You love writing thank you notes, sending thoughtful messages or speaking words of encouragement to others.

B

You love passionately talking about a cause or a person who is making a difference.

C

I know how I can jump in and start helping make things happen right away.

C

You love nothing better than rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done.

D

I get to play a role from the beginning to help shape the overall effort.

D

You like to think and analyze the work and enjoy discussing how we can improve and really make things work.

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3. What is most important to you in your life?

A

Being part of a positive community that is helping others.

B

Living a life fueled by a purpose to fix an injustice in the world.

C

Accomplishing something in life, knowing you are working every day to move the needles forward on an important cause.

D

Leaving a lasting impact on important issues by mobilizing and guiding efforts to success.

4. Which mantra best describes you?

A

Love and care for others all the way.

B

Take a stand and support things that matter.

C

Make it happen and get it done.

D

Plan your work first, then work your plan.

6. When it comes to giving to causes, which of the following would bother you the most?

A

A feeling of coldness and harshness when interacting organization’s team members.

B

5. Which of the following comments would be the most meaningful to hear someone say about you?

A

They are an incredibly supportive person and they make me feel like my best self.

B

They are always there for me and will never fail to offer a helping hand when needed.

C

They are so impactful; I can always count on them to get the job done.

D

They are remarkable; they put a system in place where there was previously chaos.

7. If you are part of a group volunteer project, which role are you most likely to play on the team?

A

A motivator and supporter of others: I keep others feeling good and like they have what it takes to make the project a success.

You feel as though the cause is less important than others, and you don’t really buy into their work.

B

A passionate spokesperson for the team: I’m willing to take on any challenging situation.

C

Endless meetings with no progress.

C

D

No one is open to learning how you see the bigger picture.

A doer and overall person of action: I ensure things get crossed off the project’s checklist as quickly as possible.

D

Advisor or maestro: I assist in making all the project’s activities and people fit together for a high-quality final result.

8. What type of movie do you most often like to watch?

9. What would be your superpower from the list below?

A

A feel-good, true-life story or a romantic comedy with an overall happy ending.

A

Flight: the ability to soar through the air like a bird or a plane.

B

A documentary exposing or revealing a current social challenge that is negatively impacting our world.

B

C

An action film packed with challenges that are barely completed in the nick of time.

C

D

A biographical drama or documentary of someone who really impacted the world in a unique way.

11. If you won the lottery, you would donate a portion to charity to do which of the following?

A

B

C

D

Give a gift to really put the “wind in the sails� of people I know who are working hard with little reward.

Give a gift that ramps up a somewhat unknown cause of which I think many more people should be aware.

Give a gift that gets something accomplished, such as a completing a capital campaign for a new building.

Give a gift that will innovate a new approach for how nonprofits are taking on a challenge.

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D

10. Which type of public figure would you most like to listen to?

A

An inspirational communicator who can lift us up no matter the circumstance.

Strength: the ability to lift, bend, break or open nearly anything on earth.

B

Speed: the ability to run so fast that you can make it across town in a blink of an eye.

A passionate communicator who is taking on a fight or standing up for someone who needs an advocate.

C

A straight-shooting, nononsense communicator who gets right to the point.

Invisibility: the ability to be unseen at a moment’s notice.

D

An intellectual or well-read individual who clearly sees the whole picture.

12. When making a contribution, I prefer causes that could provide me with the following type of information:

A

How people are really benefiting and how it makes them feel.

B

Why the cause is important and why this should be a priority over other causes.

C

What the goal is and how exactly the charity is planning to get there.

D

Putting a strategy together and making the pieces fit together.

13. When attending a charitable event, I most like to hear the following type of presenter:

A

A positive speaker with an uplifting tone.

B

Someone who has experienced a life challenge and has something meaningful to share from what was learned.

C

A speaker who accomplished something significant and shares how they did it.

D

Someone with a new view of things and a creative and interesting perspective to share.

14. If asked for a donation, you prefer which of the following approaches?

15. Which statement below best describes the way you enjoy giving to and serving others?

A

Time spent together to share and connect about our personal lives and the overall cause.

A

I’m an encourager. I love to lift up others and let them know they are doing a great job!

B

Discussion back and forth on our opinions about the work being done for the cause.

B

I’m all about sharing with others. I love to share and spread the story of a great cause or leader!

C

Getting right to the point and sharing what exactly is needed to see if I can help.

C

I get things done. I love to mark things off my to-do list!

D

Being part of the process and asked to contribute what I have learned from my experience and my perspective on the cause.

D

I see the big picture. I love to create a strategy and tie things all together for everyone’s benefit!

Totals A

B

Mostly A's

You are an APPRECIATOR!

Appreciators are encouragers. You most likely have a heart for helping others through a gift of lifting up others and recognizing their efforts that make a difference.

C

D

Mostly b's

You are an ADVOCATE!

Advocates are ambassadors and connectors. You most likely have a heart for helping others through a gift of sharing and connecting.

Mostly D's Mostly c's

You are an ACHIEVER!

Achievers are doers. You most likely have a heart for helping others through a gift of completing tasks and moving things along.

You are an ARCHITECT!

Architects are planners and strategists. You most likely have a heart for helping others through a gift of seeing the big picture and guiding resources efficiently to move the needle forward for causes you feel passionate about.

Read on to the next pages to learn more about the four Giving Hearts

The

Giving Hearts To provide further clarity about how you like to contribute and to help align you to opportunities of service that will be the most impactful for both a charity and yourself, learn more about the four types of Giving Hearts.

1.

THE APPRECIATOR Your Motto

Make everyone feel like someone!

As an encourager you play a central role in keeping everyone motivated and inspired.

Your heart for helping others is through the gift of lifting up others. You have a knack for noticing both the little and the big things that others are doing to help improve the world around us and the talent of making others feel good for their efforts. Your kind words and acts help the community to grow through your ability to make people feel included and appreciated.

Without your involvement and encouragement, many causes would never have been started or would not make it to the end. Your encouragement and support moves others to action and keeps them going in challenging times.

Remember, your joy will come from sincerely sharing words of appreciation and encouragement. When you feel the nudge to reach out to someone for their efforts, you are helping tremendously by giving others a spring in their step and the desire to keep moving forward.

The Five Traits of Appreciators 1 2 3

Caring

Sympathetic

Compassionate 4

Thoughtful

5

Supportive

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Five Simple Ways

to Contribute by Being an Appreciator on Giving Hearts Day and Beyond

1

Put a regular time on your calendar to connect and encourage a charity leader or team member you know.

2

Offer to write thank you cards to donors, supporters and stakeholders.

3

Offer to make thank you calls to donors, supporters and stakeholders.

4

Offer to create gift baskets or drop off items for donors and supporters after an event (consider a "thank you" tour).

5

Use your social media account to endorse and encourage a cause you care for by recognizing people and events that are taking place.

2.

THE ADVOCATE Your Motto

Sharing is caring!

As an ambassador and connector you play a central role in enlarging the circle of awareness and support.

Your heart for helping others is through a gift of sharing and connecting people. You have a knack for activating others and bringing passion to energize people and purposes that resonate with you. You excel at raising awareness and cultivating connections that lead to others being activated and involved in important causes.

Without you, many causes would not get off the ground or would plateau. Your ability to rev others up with your passion and enthusiasm is the wind in sails that helps leaders and organizations to meet and exceed their visions.

Remember, you experience greater fulfillment and joy by standing for a cause and spreading the word about it. When your passion is ignited by a leader or purpose, please don't hold back and help the world to know about the wonderful things that are happening.

Five Simple Ways

to Contribute by Being an Advocate on Giving Hearts Day and Beyond

1

Put a regular time on your calendar to reach out to someone you know and connect them with a person or purpose making an impact that they may not have known about.

2

Offer to call and invite donors, supporters and stakeholders to events or to make reminder calls.

3

Offer to personally invite family, friends and network to charitable events

4

The Five Traits of Advocates 1 2 3

Positive

Charismatic

Low tolerance when others are treated poorly 4

Others-oriented 5

Sociable

Offer to give a written or video endorsement and testimonial of the great work being accomplished.

5

Use your social media account to endorse and encourage a cause you care for by recognizing people and events that are taking place.

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3.

THE ACHIEVER Your Motto

Time to move from talk to tasks!

As a doer, you play a central role in making sure the things are getting done and that things will happen.

Your heart for helping others is through the gift of managing and completing tasks to move things along. You have a knack for getting things and ensuring there is action Your ability to sense when it's time to move from talk to tasks and make decisions ensures projects do not get stalled and that goals come to fruition.

Without you, many causes would simply not happen. Your ability to move to action and get steps completed is of utmost importance for achieving any vision.

Remember, you experience greater fulfillment and joy when you contribute to making sure all the details are covered and things are moving forward. What's more, you make everyone around you better as well. Moving into action and getting things accomplished makes all of our hearts glad.

So, when you feel the pull that things are too slow, please speak up, pitch in and help lead the effort from paused to progress.

Five Simple Ways

to Contribute by Being an Achiever on Giving Hearts Day and Beyond

1

Put a regular time on your calendar to checkin with a charitable leader or team member to ask, "How can I help?" and offer to review plans or map out next actions to keep things moving.

2

Offer to take on micro-projects one at a time to see them through - ones that alleviate stress or move a stalled effort forward (event tasks, getting bids for projects, setting up calendars, etc.)

3

Offer to make a list of actions after a meeting and send it out to everyone with the ones marked that you can take care of to keep things moving.

4

The Five Traits of Achievers 1

Persistent

2 3

Diligent

Action-oriented 4

Offer to help manage events or fundraising efforts. Use your skill of building checklists and completing tasks to keep the most important things moving when you're part of an effort with many moving parts.

Responsible 5

Focused

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5

Use your social media account to endorse and encourage a cause you care for by recognizing people and events that are taking place

4.

THE ARCHITECT Your Motto

Plan in progress!

Five Simple Ways

to Contribute by Being an Architect on Giving Hearts Day and Beyond

1

As a planner or strategist, you play a central role in making sure all the pieces fit together and are going to work.

You have a heart for helping others through your gift of seeing the big picture and how to utilize resources to move needles forward. You have a knack for visualizing how things work together and you possess the ability to connect the right tools with the right person to get the right thing accomplished. Your efforts provide a framework that is needed for the actions of others to accomplish a goal.

Without you, many causes would not be possible. Your gift of developing an overall plan is essential in turning a vision into reality and is often how an effort is started or becomes installed.

Remember, your joy will come from helping to conduct people and resources to a positive impact. When you feel the tug that "there is a better way" or an urge to plan something out more for charitable cause, please follow through. You will be ensuring that efforts are impactful and it will lead to the uncovering of new opportunities and knowledge that can help to overcome challenges and make a great impact.

Put a regular time on your calendar to review activities from an action team or committees of which you are a member. Prepare a writeup to offer insights on how to simplify and enhance efforts to help a charity leader or team members you know.

2

Join a board or serve on a volunteer committee for charitable projects and offer to help write or shape the overall plan for the effort.

3

Offer to research a new topic area or resources available for a charitable project and bring back findings and ways to apply it to the project.

4

The Five Traits of Architects 1

Resourceful

2

Self-Aware 3

Driven

4

Insightful

5

Confident

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Offer to lead a small action team to help accomplish an aspect of an upcoming event or project.

5

Use your social media account to endorse and encourage a cause you care for by recognizing people and events that are taking place

Stronger

Together

In addition to supporting their own causes, the charities and nonprofits in our area also adamantly champion for their peer's successes. We asked these organizations involved in Giving Hearts Day what other causes in town they admire and why.

"Red River Dance serves so many other nonprofits, and

its dance instructors have been providing free, weekly dance classes for our kids, who will perform with the other dancers in an annual recital. This is a benefit many of our kids would not have without their affiliation with Jeremiah Program and it's a tremendous gift to our kids."

Coiya Tompkins, Jeremiah Program

"I like that

New Life Center's

mission is to move the homeless and needy to a place of self-sufficiency. That is so important in order to grow selfconfidence to break the cycle of poverty and make it on his or her own."

Jill Morsch, American Diabetes Association Camp Sioux

"We admire

Hope Blooms.

[Kelly Krenzel] has such a great heart and is so happy every time I see her. What a great way to serve and bring joy to the community!"

Lauren Hutton, Unseen

"TNT shares space within our building with the

Anne Carlsen Center and Haley's Hope.

Both of these organizations work with some of the same individuals who also benefit from services at TNT. We are lucky to be able to share space and a common goal with these two organizations of helping individuals overcome obstacles."

Kim Pladson, TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics

"We admire that everyday

Churches United

for the Homeless helps homeless individuals at their lowest point and provides them a hot meal, a shower and safe space. We admire that they follow a housing first model when working with homeless individuals."

Kari Flaagan, Youthworks

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"We have a special admiration for non-profits that we directly partner with and provide supplies to. The

Haiti Medical Mission

is special to HERO because of our close relationship over the years. They purchase pallets of surgical supplies from HERO every year for their trip to Haiti to perform life-changing surgeries. HERO’s operations director Georgia Dufault has been a member of the mission team for 12 years and accompanies them for a week in January. We are proud to partner with the Haiti Medical Mission for Giving Hearts Day this year."

Bridget Ertelt, HERO

"The community that we live in provides so much care and support through its nonprofits. Because of this, our Oak Grove Elementary classes each choose a nonprofit to support throughout the year. Charities the elementary supports include:

Ronald McDonald House, Tied with Love for Sanford Children's Hospital, Cards for Veterans, Project Ignite for Light.

Our middle school and high school holds a Day of Service; they are involved in Fill the Dome and the PaY philanthropy program. Service to others is a large part of our students education and our mission."

Shellie Simonson Ulven, Oak Grove Lutheran School

"The

Ronald McDonald House

provides a home away from home for families dealing with medical issues. It is one less thing families need to worry about during a very stressful time in their lives."

Carla Gross, NDSU School of Nursing

"As the premier incubator for non-profits in the High Plains, the

Impact Foundation

is at the cutting edge of charity brainpower, ideation and technology. We’re totally biased, of course, because we came out of there. But, for us, that’s just the proof in the pudding."

Peter Schultz, Longspur Prairie Fund

"One nonprofit that we greatly admire is the

North Dakota Autism Center.

We had the pleasure of working closely with them to create our Sensory Friendly programming, which aims to increase access to and inclusion in the arts for our community’s children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Their team was incredibly helpful, ensuring that our team was well-educated and offering support at every step of the process. Their dedication to their mission and the people and families they serve inspires us to continue fighting for our mission and serving our community to the best of our ability."

Eloise Breikjern, Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre

"I really admire

Hope Inc.

Just like dance, sports and other recreational activities are so important for overall health and wellbeing. I admire their inclusive and inspirational programs that show people, especially children, that there are no limits to what they can strive for and what they can be."

Matt Gasper, FM Ballet

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"I admire

all of the arts organizations

in the FM area. They are our partners in crime and all work extremely hard to keep their organizations thriving! They each bring a unique and interesting voice to the arts community and help to keep Fargo-Moorhead such an exciting place to live. I know I personally would not have moved back to Fargo after having lived for years in larger cities (Boston, Minneapolis) had there not been so much offered here in terms of the arts. It was a big reason I was willing to relocate and am happy that I did! I keep discovering new things every week that I didn't know existed here."

Shirley Leiphon, Fargo Moorhead Opera

"I really admire the

Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.

We have the unique perspective of working with some of the people who have been helped out by the RACC and get to see the tremendous job that they do in not only helping people escape dangerous situations, but helping people rebuilding their lives as well."

Pete Christopher, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

"I really admire Adam Martin of the

F5 Project.

It's not easy to publicly share your failures, let alone overcome them and turn them into something that literally changes lives."

Karen Berntson, Junior Achievement

"Unseen.

"The

Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-In Center

They know their work is important, but they don't get to directly see the people impacted by their work every single day. To continue to stay motivated by the need alone, when they don't necessarily have direct access to the people they are impacting, is inspiring."

because they embrace the same philosophy that everyone is ready for housing and that it is a basic human right and a necessary first step for people to make positive changes in their lives."

Maureen Bartelt, Wellspring for the World

Cheri Gerken, Presentation Partners in Housing

"At PATH, we particularly admire agencies that focus on work with kids and their families who have suffered from traumatic experiences, like the

Child Advocacy Center, the YWCA and Imagine Thriving.

These agencies are great advocates who understand the impact trauma can have and the benefits of traumainformed care."

Sonja Stang, PATH

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1.

A day To Presentation Partners in Housing pays for a person's utilities so they can stay warm

28

A month to Amistad Worldwide gives a widow food, clothing, health care and a dress or blanket along with spiritual encouragement

2.50

To Red River Children's Advocacy Ce nter pays for play doh for a forensic interview

5

Find out how your donated dollars can directly impact those in our area

ead Community To Fargo Moorh es markers and Theatre provid per so that a construction pa ildren can learn classroom of ch ate through and communic tiv crea ity

15

To REACH provides healthy food for a weekend in the BackPack program

10

WHAT GIVES?

101

To FM Ballet pays for an hour of physical therapy to keep the dancers' bodies healthy

50

To YMCA of C ass and Clay Counties pro vides one sc hool-age child one da y of beforeand after-school care

15

50

To Boy Scouts of America, Northern Lights Council provides a uniform shirt and book for an underprivileged Scout

oral sends a fl s m o lo B e age To Hop nd a mess bouquet a e d joy to fiv of hope an in our individuals y communit

25

To Project HART pays for a 30-day bus pass for a veteran with disabilities

26

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Action ies Community To Lakes & Prair bs, work ru sc s ide ov pr Partnership for attire required boots or other rk wo to t people to ge

100

To Junior Achievement allows three high school seniors to learn about budgeting, saving, investing and using credit cautiously through JA Personal Finance

75

To Alzheimer 's Association pays for a se matching ID t of bracelets for a person wit dementia an h d their caregi ver to wear, if the person so with dementi a wanders, they can be reunited with their caregiver

100

To Rebuilding Together FargoMoorhead Area prevents a fall by installing grab bars

75

103

To American Cancer Society provides a cancer patient with five nights of free lodging at Hope Lodge

500

To CCRI helps with home modifications for those living with disabilities

125 250

To Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity pays for a front door to provide a security to a family

1,000 To NDSU School of Nursing impacts a student with a scholarship

To Zach's Foundation sponsors a gift tote for a pediatric cancer patient and siblings, including personalized blankets

200

Generosity GROWS Planting The Seeds of Giving

BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

DR. SUE MATHISON AND HER SON GRANT SHARE A UNIQUE TRADITION EACH GIVING HEARTS DAY.

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MUCH LIKE PASSING DOWN FAMILY RECIPES OR HEIRLOOMS, WE CAN ALSO PASS DOWN A TRADITION OF PHILANTHROPY TO OUR CHILDREN.

E

very Giving Hearts Day, Dr. Sue Mathison and her son Grant come to the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) campus to take part in this special day. When Grant was young, he soaked up the spirit of the day and enjoyed toting a balloon around. Grant is now 11, and while he still delights in balloons, he and his mother also enjoy working together to pick charitable organizations to which they donate.

Dr. Mathison has been on the board at DMF for about 12 years, and it's become a very important part of her life. "When Giving Hearts Day was just a baby, I brought my baby. It’s amazing to see how Giving Hearts Day has grown and how Grant and I have grown along with it," she shared. The first years of Giving Hearts day were more strictly focused on online giving, and there wasn't the same

extravaganza at the DMF campus as there is today.

A decade later, Dakota Medical Foundation's building opens up each February for Giving Hearts Day, and everybody is welcome to stop by to make a donation. The festivities of the day have grown each year along with Grant, making it more engaging and exciting.

Over the years, he has seen first-hand the community's growing excitement about generous giving. "Grant has always enjoyed going; they always have a few extra balloons for him. He really enjoys it as a celebration, but as he’s gotten older, he and I have talked about the groups we want to give to."

Last year, about 350 organizations were involved in Giving Hearts Day. Dr. Mathison shared that on Giving Hearts Day, she and her son sat at a laptop at DMF and went through every single charity before

105

making their donations. "We looked at every single website, and we gave to lots of different charities. We gave smaller amounts to some and larger amounts to our favorites," she said. "It was so fun for him to see all the different organizations throughout the whole state and the good things that people do for children, health, pets, the homeless or the hungry."

In going through these lists of organizations, Grant learns about the joy of giving, and also to be grateful for the things that he has. "He’s always kind of had a give-back mindset, and I think this experience has really enhanced it for him," said Dr. Mathison.

Impact Institute Director Scott Holdman said, "We've seen families engage in different levels. It starts a path of finding charities and caring about them." Dr. Mathison explained that one of the wonderful things about Giving Hearts Day is that it celebrates participation over amount. If you have $10 to give, you can participate and be a generous giver.

"Kids are our future, and we can expose them to this joyful way to give. I think kids are inherently curious and inherently generous if we teach them about it in the right way," said Dr. Mathison.

Making Giving Hearts Day a family tradition allows children of all ages to be introduced to the delight of giving.

It instills a sense of gratitude for what they have while also showing them how they can use their abundance for good.

Holdman shared, "When it comes to generations and engaging and giving, they do give very differently and usually have a different interest of what they want to give to. It's not a granddad saying 'I supported this organization, and you will, too.' It's more about instilling, 'people like us do things like this.'"

The desire to pass on a generous spirit in children is important. For this reason, Giving Hearts Day provides a program where you can sponsor a classroom.

This program invites donors to purchase a $10 Giving Hearts Day gift card for each student in a class. Dr. Mathison is excited to take part in this opportunity

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in 2019, saying, "We are going to sponsor Grant's classroom so that each child gets a Giving Hearts Day gift card that they can share with their parents.

Hopefully, the families will go online together and decide where they want to give that gift card, and then maybe give some more."

At only 11 years old, Grant has the beginnings of a bright future ahead of him. Through continual involvement in Giving Hearts Day, he can learn more about the meaning behind it all and why our community celebrates giving. Dr. Mathison has enjoyed this tradition with her son, saying, "It’s fun to plant some seeds and see where they grow."

"KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE, AND WE CAN EXPOSE THEM TO THIS JOYFUL WAY TO GIVE." -DR. SUE MATHISON

2019 CHARITY EVENT CALENDAR Whether they be for fundraising purposes, networking or just celebrating all that they've accomplished, hundreds of local and regional charities throw events each year. We've compiled a list of many of the fun events that different charities and non-profits are hosting in 2019. Be sure to keep up with your favorite charities for updates on specific times and additional dates for such events! There were so many things going on that we simply couldn't include them all, so we encourage you to use this calendar as a starting point for how to plan your own charitable-based event calendar.

BREAKFAST CLUB - THE EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY Third Tuesday of the month

The Emergency Food Pantry hosts a monthly Breakfast Club at the pantry. The Breakfast Club is currently scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month from 8-9 a.m. Community members get a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the services provided and get a better understanding of how hunger impacts Cass and Clay Counties. Dates in the first half of the year are Feb. 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18 and July 16.

EmergencyFoodPantry.com Emergency Food Pantry

1101 4th Ave. N., Fargo

MEAL AT THE MISSION - NEW LIFE CENTER Third Thursday of each month

On the third Thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m. will be the New Life Center's Meal on a Mission. Learn first hand how homeless people and families in our community are experiencing real change.

This will include a tour and a light lunch.

Be sure to register online for a spot! The next two upcoming meals will be held on Jan. 17 and Feb. 21.

FargoNLC.org/Events New Life Center

1902 3rd Ave. N., Fargo

NORTH DAKOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS FESTIVAL ARTIST RECEPTION - THE HUMAN FAMILY Wednesday, Jan. 24

You're invited to the North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival Artist Reception at the Plains Art Museum! The exhibition is free to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear artists speak about their work. The event takes place on the third floor of the Plains Art Museum.

Human-Family.org Plains Art Museum

704 1st Ave. N., Fargo

THE SEVEN INTERACTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERIENCE - THE HUMAN FAMILY Thursday, Jan. 25

Co-hosted with the NDSU Memorial Union Gallery, The Seven empowers individuals to discuss and learn what it means to organize, advocate for and influence positive change in their community. Expect short discussions from area social justice leaders, human rights films from the North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival and performances from justice-minded artists.

The event is free and open to the public.

Human-Family.org Century Theater at NDSU's Memorial Union

1401 Administration Ave., Fargo

GIVING HEARTS DAY 2019 Thursday, Feb. 14

The day we've all been waiting for! For many charities and nonprofits, Giving Hearts Day is the largest day for donations and aid to their cause. This 24-hour giving event attracts members from across the community, and even across the country, to come together and support worthy causes.

GivingHeartsday.org

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COPS AND KIDS CHARITY HOCKEY GAME - MOORHEAD PAL Sunday, Jan. 27

Come join Moorhead Police Athletics and Activities League as local law enforcement takes on Moorhead Youth Hockey Association players in a fun charity game that raises funds for both the MYHA and the Moorhead Police Explorer Post. This non-profit exists to help reduce juvenile crime by helping local police officers engage area youth in social settings that involve athletics and other activities such as this one. By making a connection with at-risk and disadvantaged youth, as well as all youth in our community, they hope to build good citizens and foster positive relationships.

MoorheadPAL.org

CCRI POLAR PLUNGE Thursday, Feb. 14

Be bold and get cold at the CCRI Polar Plunge! Get a group together or challenge your co-workers and jump as a team. For just $75, you can change lives. By signing up to plunge, you agree to fundraise a minimum of $75, which will directly affect the lives of the people CCRI supports.

From fundraising to costume designing to the plunge, it's a party. For more information visit online or contact Anna at ALarson@CreativeCare.org.

B-B-BRRR WINTER CLASSIC - GREAT RIDES Sunday, Jan. 27

Embrace winter and join in for the aptly named, "B-B-BRRR (Border Battle Bike Race on the Red River) Winter Classic." This one-of-a-kind, ninth annual race will begin in Wildflower Grove Park in Fargo. Experience is not required to ride, but helmets are. All ages are welcome to participate, and a post-ride celebration and award ceremony will be held indoors at Great Northern Bicycle Company in Downtown Fargo. All racers receive a meal, beverage and t-shirt for participating.

GreatRidesFargo.org Wildflower Grove Park

9 Lower Terrace, Fargo

CreativeCare.org CCRI

2903 15th St. S., Moorhead

SPIN IT TO GIVE IT - TNT KID'S FITNESS Thursday, Feb. 14

For Giving Hearts Day, TNT Kid's Fitness is partnering with CycleBar for the third straight year, but with a twist for 2019.

This year, the TNT "Spin It To Give It" challenge will be held on site. Teams and businesses from the Fargo-Moorhead community are invited into the TNT building so they can see the direct impact TNT has on those who they serve. This year, teams of six will compete for the

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trophy in a 10-minute race with four teams cycling at a time. So grab a group of friends or co-workers and reserve your time slot while they are available!

TNTKidsFitness.org TNT Kid's Fitness

2800 Main Ave., Fargo

chilis prepared by local restaurants, caterers and museum staff and members.

At the end of the event, take home a free custom-made ceramic bowl created by local potters.

PlainsArt.org Plains Art Museum

704 1st Ave. N., Fargo

CHILI BOWL & CONCERT - PLAINS ART MUSEUM Thursday, Feb. 14

With a $15 donation to the museum, listen to the Cropdusters while enjoying five different kinds of piping hot, homemade

THE SONS OF NORWAY CONCERT - RED RIVER VALLEY VETERANS CONCERT BAND Thursday, March 7

To thank everyone who donated during Giving Hearts Day, The Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band is putting on a special concert to all their supporters and donors. The Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band's mission is to promote patriotism through music, and many members of the band are military veterans or are currently serving in the National Guard.

RRVVCB.org Sons of Norway

722 2nd Ave. N., Fargo

SLUG RUN - LONGSPUR PRAIRIE FUND Sunday, May 19

As a community event, the Longspur Prairie Fund's Slug Run has three purposes. First, it allows parents with very young kids to participate in Fargo Marathon Week via cool and safe outdoor activities specifically designed for small children. Second, it gives young runners the opportunity to “race” in a way that acknowledges their age and abilities. (This is not a “youth run”— there’s a big difference between a 3-year-old and an eighth grader!) And finally, it communicates and embodies Longspur Prairie Fund's core community values – confidence, physical fitness, determination, friendship and respect for nature – in a way that is clear, participatory and fun! So come join in!

LongspurPrairie.org Gooseberry Park

100 22nd Ave. S., Moorhead

ANNUAL GALA DINNER BANQUET - THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOUNDATION Saturday, March 16

The Outdoor Adventure Foundation's mission is to provide hunting, fishing and other adventures for youths diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. OAF is an all-volunteer organization making big dreams come true, and banquets such as this one help them keep doing what they are doing.

OutdoorAdventureFoundation.org Hilton Garden Inn

4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo

BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE - BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Friday, March 22 and March 29

This bowling adventure is an annual fundraiser benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Participants form a team, collect donations and come to a bowling party on one of the two days. By taking part, you are defending the potential of a child in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Register today online.

Donate.TheVillageFamily.org/BFKS19 West Acres Bowl

3402 Interstate Blvd. S., Fargo

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THINK! TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT Thursday, March 28

Test your trivia knowledge for a good cause. Teams of four to six will compete in a trivia competition with all proceeds going towards purchasing curriculum for Junior Achievement's students. Junior Achievement's mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy, teaching them valuable skills for a strong future.

JAUM.org

OAK GROVE SPRING GALA Friday, April 5

Support Oak Grove by attending their Spring Gala! This evening will consist of fine dining and entertainment, all benefitting Oak Grove Lutheran School.

Serving nearly 700 students, Oak Grove provides an education rich in academics, faith formation and service.

OakGroveLutheran.com Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo

1635 42nd St. S.W., Fargo

YOU BE YOU, A NOT-SO-FORMAL GALA CELEBRATING SELF-ESTEEM IN GIRLS BIO GIRLS Friday, April 5

Join BIO Girls for a not-so-formal fundraising gala celebrating girls. This family-friendly event welcomes adults and children ages 7+. This event has fun for the entire family, including a special guest speaker, dinner, silent auction, kids’ carnival and more. This event is semiformal, but wear your sneakers. BIO Girls stands for "beauty—inside and out" and helps girls ages 7-12 build self-esteem.

Consider taking one night to help them.

BIOGirls.org/YouBeYou Avalon Events Center

2525 9th Ave. S., Fargo

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BRADY'S BORDER TO BORDER RUCK MARCH - BRADY OBERG LEGACY FOUNDATION Tuesday - Saturday, May 21-25

The Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation will be holding its second Annual Brady's Border 2 Border Ruck March to raise awareness and money for veteran suicide recognition and prevention. This course is not one that's meant to be "fun" – it's meant for participants to push themselves and give their all, just like our fallen heroes, past and present, have given their all for our country. This year, they will be marching from the border at Beech, N.D., to the bridge on 52nd Ave. South in Fargo. It's about 366.3 miles total and will take about 94 hours. Contact bradysborder2border@gmail.com for more information.

BradyObergLegacyFoundation.org

WINE & WISHES GALA - MAKE A WISH Friday, April 5

Celebrate Wishes. Celebrate Families.

Celebrate Transformation. Save the date for Wine & Wishes, a signature fundraising event for Make-A-Wish North Dakota.

The evening will include an inspirational connection to their mission and highlight the lasting impact of wishes. Experience firsthand the power of a wish-cometrue as a panel of wish kids share their wishes and the impact it had on them

and their families. Enjoy wine pairings with hearty hors-d’oeuvres, silent auction with electronic bidding and live auction as a part of this evening, as well.

NorthDakota.Wish.org Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo

4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo

FM BALLET PRESENTS TRIBUTE Saturday-Sunday, April 6-7

FM Ballet presents Tribute. This show celebrates 40 years of the Gasper family teaching dance in the FM Area and features FMB Artistic Director Matt Gasper’s original ballet "Spirit Rising," as well as pieces from founders Eddie and Kathy Gasper and this season’s "Storybook Ballet La Boutique Fantasque" (The Magic Toyshop) choreographed by FM Ballet Junior Company Ballet Mistress Lindsey Setzerkorn. This production will be entertaining for the whole family. For new audiences, it is a perfect introduction to FM Ballet’s mixed repertoire that ranges from classical and contemporary ballet to jazz and tap.

FMBallet.org/Tickets Fargo Theatre

314 Broadway N., Fargo

GOOD SCOUT LUNCHEON- BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, NORTHERN LIGHTS COUNCIL Thursday, April 11

This year, The Boy Scouts of America's Good Scout Luncheon will honor Ed and Nancy Schafer as "Good Scout" Distinguished Citizen Honorees and Forum Communications as the Corporate Community Service Honoree. Each is being recognized for their significant contributions to North Dakota and the Red River Valley.

NLCBSA.org Avalon Events Center

2525 9th Ave. S., Fargo

FARGO MOORHEAD OPERA PRESENTS CARMEN

HEALTHY KIDS DAY -YMCA OF CASS AND CLAY COUNTIES

If you've never been to the opera before, then you must see the final production of the season, "Carmen" by Georges Bizet. This is a classic and unforgettable opera piece that can be enjoyed by all.

Tickets can be purchased online or you can call the box office at 701-239-4558.

Adult tickets run from $20-80 and student tickets (K-12 and college rush) are $5.

Healthy Kids’ Day is a national YMCA day to inspire kids to stay physically and intellectually active all summer long.

Join in for an afternoon packed with fun and interactive activities in the YMCA's Xerzone, basketball gym, climbing wall and more. Healthy snacks will be available. This event is free and open to the community.

Friday-Saturday, April 12-13

FMOpera.org Reineke Concert Hall, NDSU

1511 12th Ave. N., Fargo

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED: A MARTINI PARTY FUNDRAISER - FARGO MOORHEAD COMMUNITY THEATRE Friday, April 13

Support the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre with an evening of craft cocktails made my area mixologists. Dress up and have a fun night sampling various martinis on a “tini-tour,” and it's all for a good cause.

FMCT.org

"BRIGHT SOLDIERS" PREMIER AFRICAN SOUL, AMERICAN HEART Sunday, April 14

African Soul, American Heart will premiere their new documentary, "Bright Soldiers" at the Fargo Theatre. ASAH’s mission is to protect, educate and empower orphaned girls from the Republic of South Sudan through primary school, secondary school and beyond. To further support their mission, education through documentaries such as "Bright Soldiers" teach our community more about what is needed in other parts of the world.

AfricanSoulAmericanHeart.org Fargo Theater

314 Broadway N., Fargo

Saturday, April 27

YMCACassClay.org Schlossman YMCA

4243 19th Ave. S., Fargo

PAINT IT FORWARD - LAKES & PRAIRIES COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP May

Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership is bringing back the Paint it Forward event in May. This special event brings together local artists with the children in their programs to create a piece of artwork that will be auctioned off to benefit the organization. More details on this event can be found on their new website.

LakesAndPrairies.net

YWCA WOMEN OF THE YEAR Monday, May 6

Join YWCA to celebrate their 46th Annual Women of the Year event. Selected by an independent panel of judges, the lives, talents and passions of local community members are recognized each year. Come recognize how their time and talents are helping to shape our community. With a crowd of more than 750 guests, the evening culminates in the announcement of the 2019 YWCA Cass Clay Women of the Year recipients in 13 categories. Nominations for Women of the Year are currently being accepted. Visit YWCACassClay.org for more information or to nominate an inspirational woman in your life. Nominations close Feb. 20.

YWCACassClay.org Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo

1635 42nd St. S.W., Fargo

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15TH ANNUAL HERO BASH Friday, May 10

HERO's signature fundraising event is their annual HERO Bash. The evening features guest speakers, live and silent auctions, appetizers and desserts, a wine pull and live music. It’s a festive evening that celebrates the hearts and hands of HERO while raising awareness for their mission of collecting and redistributing donated healthcare supplies to help those in need.

HEROFargo.com Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo

1635 42nd St. S.W., Fargo

"STARTIN' SOMETHIN'!" RECITAL - RED RIVER DANCE & PERFORMING COMPANY Saturday, May 11

Make sure to make it to the spring dance recital: "Startin' Somethin'!" Red River Dance & Performing Company plan to start a movement that gets everyone in our community engaged through the art of dance. They are looking forward to including CHARISM, Dakota Boys & Girls Club and Jeremiah Program in this recital as well.

RedRiverDance.com NDSU Festival Hall

1511 12th Ave. N., Fargo

INSPIRE WELLNESS ADULT CO-ED SAND VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT -FAMILY WELLNESS June

Join in on the Family Wellness' Annual Adult Co-ed Sand Volleyball Tournament!

This tournament helps support the Family Wellness Inspire Wellness Initiative, which helps people cook well, move well and live well for life. There is limited space in this tournament, so make sure to register to confirm a spot. Each participating team is encouraged to raise money as their tournament donation.

GO HAWAIIAN FOR HOSPICE - HOSPICE OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY

DAKOTA BLITZ 3:10 - LAKE AGASSIZ HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Benefitting Hospice of the Red River Valley, join in on "Go Hawaiian for Hospice!” Come for the seventh annual luau lunch this June (specific day TBD).

For a suggested donation of $5, attendees will feast on a pig roast, baked potato, fresh pineapple, Hawaiian Punch and a frozen treat.

Three homes in 10 days. "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care." – 1 Corinthians 3:10. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is hosting 10 days with a mission to build three homes. They will need all the hands they can get, so make sure to join in.

June

HRRV.org

June 19-29

LakeAgassizHabitat.org/Blitz

FIRST ANNUAL SPRING GALA -MEMORY CAFÉ OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY Thursday, June 6

The Memory Café of the Red River Valley will be hosting their first annual spring gala in June. Jayne Clairmont, who is a nationally recognized dementia expert, will be the featured speaker. This event will be open to the public and anyone who has a loved one living with dementia is encouraged to attend.

MemoryCafeOfRRV.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF CLAY COUNTY Thursday, June 6

Help fight off cancer with this fun event!

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, including in our very own Clay County chapter. Join this event to bring the community together to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancer and raise money to help the American Cancer Society make a global impact on cancer.

RelayForLife.org/ClayCountyMN Clay County Fairgrounds

620 Main Ave. E., Barnesville, Minn.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION BONANZAVILLE Thursday, July 4

Don't miss the classic July 4th celebration at Bonanzaville! The event kicks off with a historic shooting of the anvil, followed by a day of carnival games, live historic demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts for the kids, bouncy houses, food trucks, a parade and so much more.

And of course, there will be fireworks at dark, too!

Facebook.com/Bonanzaville Bonanzaville - Cass County Historical Society

1351 Main Ave. W., West Fargo

9TH ANNUAL CAR & BIKE CRUISE COMMUNITY OF CARE Sunday, July 28

Join in on a cruise around town on a Sunday afternoon to raise money to help older adults remain in their rural Cass County homes. Community of Care offers services to seniors, one of them being transportation services, making this event quite appropriate! Events like this help keep them able to continue this mission.

CommunityOfCareND.com Community of Care

11 Langer Ave. N., Casselton, N.D.

FamilyWellnessFargo.org Fargo Billiards & Gastropub

3234 43rd St. S., Fargo

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SUITS AND SANDALS - ANNE CARLSEN CENTER August

This summer, you are cordially invited to the most unique event in Bismarck: Suits & Sandals – a semi-casual beach party, and the seventh annual fundraiser to benefit the Anne Carlsen Center.

Experience fine dining in an elegant yet casual setting, complete with drinks and live music, all while relaxing on the water’s edge.

AnneCarlsen.org Bismarck, N.D.

FED UP! RALLY - LOST AND FOUND RECOVERY CENTER Saturday, Aug. 31

Lost and Found Recovery Center is hosting a Fed Up! Rally raising awareness for the addition crisis our country faces.

The Fed Up! Coalition was formed in 2012 when several organizations from across the country joined forces. What brought them together was their shared concern that the federal government was failing to stem the rising tide of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. This rally will help fight for positive change.

LostAndFoundRecoveryCenter.org

ANNUAL BIS-MAN RIDE FOR DIABETES - AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION CAMP SIOUX September

American Diabetes Association Camp Sioux's annual bike ride will be held in Bismarck this September. There will be 5-mile (family friendly!) and 25-mile options, depending on what you're comfortable with. The longer ride made quite a presence in the community in 2018, with upwards of 65 riders participating. Stay tuned to the American Diabetes Association-North Dakota Facebook page for dates and registration information.

Facebook.com/ADANorthDakota Bismarck, N.D.

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OVER THE EDGE FOR CHARISM

Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 7 and 8 Sometimes giving back requires a leap of faith. Don't miss the tallest and most exhilarating fundraiser in town, Over the Edge! If you participate, you will conquer the challenge of rappelling 110 feet down the Black Building on Broadway in downtown Fargo, with all the money raised going to CHARISM. CHARISM.org Black Building

118 Broadway N., Fargo

CELEBRITY DINNER AND AUCTIONFARGO AIR MUSEUM Saturday, Sept. 14

This is it, Fargo Air Museum's annual fundraiser! Note that this event's "celebrity" is an airplane not a person, but it is always a great time. The event includes a delicious dinner and a live and silent auction full of fantastic goods, big and small, to bid on. Find out how to buy a table, tickets or donate auction items online.

FargoAirMuseum.org Fargo Air Museum

1609 19th Ave. N., Fargo

FARGO WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION Saturday, Sept. 21

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Alz.org/Walk Fargo Civic Center

207 4th St. N., Fargo

WAGS, WHISKERS & WINE - HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED CLOTHING GIVEAWAY - YOUTHWORKS Thursday, Aug. 15

Youthworks will be hosting a clothing giveaway, providing free back-to-school clothing to youth and families in need. The vision of We’ve Got You Covered is to provide back-to-school clothing at no cost to youth in middle school and high school who may not otherwise get back to school clothing. The goal of the giveaway is to get to kids to school with dignity, encourage young people to help their peers and positive community engagement.

YouthworksND.org Youthworks

317 S. University Dr., Fargo

October

Join Homeward Animal Shelter for wine tasting, delicious appetizers, music and fabulous silent and live auction items at the 10th annual Wags, Whiskers & Wine event. All proceeds of this fun evening benefit the homeless dogs and cats of Homeward Animal Shelter.

HomewardOnline.org

ANNUAL DESSERT CELEBRATION AND SILENT AUCTION - CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP Thursday, Oct. 10

Join a wonderful evening with Child Evangelism Fellowship featuring a live/ silent auction, powerful stories about what God is doing in our community and a delicious dessert. The Child Evangelism Fellowship continues their mission by hosting Good News Clubs during the school year as well as five-day clubs and day camp ministry during the summer.

CEFFM.org/DessertCelebration Bethel Church

2702 30th Ave. S., Fargo

THIRD ANNUAL JOURNEY FOR HOPE GALA -JEREMIAH PROGRAM Friday, Oct. 18

Don’t miss the next chance to transform lives for local single mothers and their children at the third annual Journey for Hope Gala. Each year there is a “destination” that you will be transported to, so stay tuned for the announcement of what 2019's destination will be. This special event features a five-star meal, a live auction, fund-a-family auction, fun raffles, keynote speeches from program participants and more!

JeremiahProgram.org Holiday Inn Fargo

3803 13th Ave. S., Fargo

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[RE] BUILDER BOIL - REBUILDING TOGETHER Tuesday, Oct. 22

Rebuilding Together's annual friendraiser, the [Re]Builder Boil, is held every fall. This year, they will be presenting the 2nd ever "Denny Walaker Community Leadership Award" to a dynamic leader in our community. Enjoy a seafood boil, live music, your favorite beer and learn about how you can (re)pair, (re)vitalize and (re) build Fargo-Moorhead.

RebuildingTogetherFMA.org El Zagal Shrine Center

1429 3rd St. N., Fargo

17TH ANNUAL EXTRA MILE EVENT HANDI-WHEELS November

Handi-Wheels will host its 17th Annual "Extra Mile Event" in November of 2019.

They work closely with Hope Lutheran Church North Campus to provide an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, silent auction and raffle. Specific date and time to be determined, so stay tuned.

Handi-Wheels.org Hope Lutheran Church, North Campus

2900 Broadway N., Fargo

REDEMPTION ROAD FALL GALA Saturday, Nov. 2

This is Redemption Road's second formal Fall Gala! In an effort to expand into greater North Dakota, they are hosting this amazing event. Be expecting a silent auction, dinner and some testimonies.

Tickets will be limited, so purchase a table in a timely manner, and bring some friends. Learn more and stay tuned for updates by following them on Facebook.

Facebook.com/FargoRedemptionRoad Avalon Events Center

2525 9th Ave. S., Fargo

ANNUAL EVENT -LEND A HAND UP Monday, Nov. 25

Lend A Hand Up hosts an annual event on the Monday of Thanksgiving week

3RD ANNUAL FM RAISE YOUR SPIRITS GALA Friday, Oct. 25

This year’s gala will be an exciting event like no other, including a multi-course culinary experience paired with a variety of spirits, silent auctions, raffles and entertainment. The FM Raise Your Spirits Gala will donate 100 percent of net proceeds generated through this event to multiple charitable causes. Each year at this gala, outstanding individuals who volunteer to impact health and quality of life in our community will be recognized, in four categories.

FMRaiseYourSpirits.com Holiday Inn Fargo

3803 13th Ave. S., Fargo

to commemorate all campaigns and fundraisers held in the past year to help our neighbors, as well as to show appreciation for their volunteers, sponsors, contributors and supportive community members. Throughout the year, Lend A Hand Up works by and through others to help families in medical crisis.

LendAHandUp.org

REACH HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, Dec. 14

Each year, the REACH Holiday Extravaganza is held the second Saturday of December. This event includes a 5K Jingle Bell Run, a brunch and a toy bingo.

It is a major fundraiser for REACH, so be sure you come by to help them continue to enrich the lives of residents residing in rural Clay, Norman and West Becker Counties in Minnesota.

RuralEnrichment.org Hawley, Minn.

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