AEOA Give to the Max donations aid local food shelves
VIRGINIA, Minn. – In November, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency joined thousands of non-profit organizations and schools throughout the state in GiveMN’s annual Give to the Max event. The agency has been participating in the fundraiser for more than a decade.
This year, AEOA set a Give to the Max fundraising goal of $10,000. While the agency received $11,979.66 in donations between Nov. 1 and Nov. 20, $10,688.92 of that total was raised for area food shelves. The agency is a fiscal sponsor for eight food shelves including sites in Aurora, Babbitt, Chisholm, Grand Marais, Mountain Iron (Quad City), Proctor, Silver Bay, and Tower.
Most years, AEOA’s campaign focus is on its Foundation Fund to help provide essential services to people facing homelessness and other social and economic challenges. In response to the 43-day government shutdown threatening food security from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, AEOA chose to boost support for its community partners by hosting individual food shelf campaigns on its GiveMN page. GiveMN is an online fundraising hub for Minnesota schools and non-profits.
The AEOA’s Foundation Fund received $1,152.94; with $137.80 donated to AEOA run shelters. Last year’s total was $1,765.
During Give to the Max events, the Bush Foundation rewards participating organizations with additional grants through prize drawings. Many of these prizes, ranging from $500 to $10,000, are referred to as “golden tickets.”
AEOA was not a recipient of any golden tickets this year, however, the agency says it is proud of its efforts and sees a silver lining in helping raise a substantial amount for the food shelves.
The agency accepts donations to the Foundation Fund and other programs year-round. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made by visiting www.givemn.org/Aeoa.
The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency with over 60 years of service as a major provider of self-sufficiency services to low-income and disadvantaged persons throughout Northeastern Minnesota. The Agency is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one-third low-income community residents, one-third public officials, and one-third private sector representatives. AEOA’s mission is to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges. To learn more, visit the AEOA website at www.aeoa.org.
