Giving back
Charity begins at home, as the expression goes, and the Rugby Community Endowment Fund is hopeful residents will be willing to support local organizations and projects that benefit many in the community during a first-ever “Charity Week” campaign, Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31.
What makes donating at this time of year significant is the Community Endowment Fund will match dollar-for-dollar up to the first $500 to each non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS.
“It’s an opportunity for several organizations to get additional dollars to operate their programs and activities,” said Matt Mullally, endowment advisory committee member. “We’re fortunate for a town our size to have so many worthwhile organizations and programs available, but like everything else, they need financial support. Hopefully residents will continue to show their generosity.”
The charities identified include: Village Arts, Inc.; Heart of America Library; Good Samaritan Health Services Foundation; Pierce County Fair Association; Rugby Amateur Hockey Association; Growing Place Daycare; Tri-County Senior Meals and Services; Pierce County Community Food Pantry; Rugby Lions Club Project Joy; Rugby Park District and the Geographical Center Historical Society.
This week of charity is intended to supplement each organization’s annual fundraising efforts and allow everyone to make a donation, big or small, either to specific charities or to the Endowment Fund. Donations can be dropped off at any of the four financial institutions in the community – Bremer Bank, Merchants Bank, Ramsey Bank or North Star Community Credit Union, as well as Mack Law Office and the Pierce County Tribune.
Donations may also be dropped off at the Lions Club Music in the Park this Wednesday, July 29.
Endowment Fund committee members, as well as representatives of non-profit organizations, will be in the park that night. Donation boxes will be available.