Tag Archives: donors

Giving Thanks

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As you know, it’s that time of year again for us to count our blessings and give thanks. Admittedly, this Thanksgiving message may seem a bit cliché, but at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we have so many things to be thankful for that we didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to acknowledge the following people:

Thank you for partnering with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity!

Partner families: Thanks to those who have partnered with us to build simple, decent and affordable housing to provide shelter and safety for their families.

Volunteers: Of course, the heart and soul of Habitat lies in its volunteers. Whether they help out at the ReStore or on the build site, we’re extremely grateful for each and every person who has volunteered over the years.

Committee members: Committee members are volunteers, too, but they work behind the scenes to help with marketing, family selection, resource development, church relations and more.

Staff: To make everything happen, we have a few key people on staff. They’re all very talented, dedicated individuals who put in countless hours to keep our organization running to provide housing for those in need.

Thank you for coming together to build homes, communites and hope.

Donors: Building homes isn’t cheap. It takes a lot of funding to keep us going. Fortunately, there are many wonderful individuals and businesses that support our efforts by donating money and building supplies to us.

The community: Finally, our organization needs support from the entire community to carry out our mission. We’re very thankful that the community has whole-heartedly embraced what we do.

Simply put, to everyone who has helped support Lake Agassiz Habitat Humanity, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and Happy Thanksgiving!

3 Easy Steps to Give to the Max TODAY

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During last year’s Give to the Max Day, 47,534 donors logged on to GiveMN.org. The result: $13.4 million was raised for 3,978 Minnesota nonprofit organizations, whose missions range from feeding the hungry, to protecting the environment, to providing affordable housing opportunities.

Today Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is excited to participate in the 4th annual Give to the Max Day. If you would like to open the door to possibilities and stability for families in Cass and Clay counties with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, follow these 3 easy steps TODAY, Thursday, November 15th: 

Step 1: Visit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s giving page.

Step 2: Make your donation.

Step 3: Save your confirmation email for tax purposes.

It’s that simple!

Give to the Max Day is a great opportunity to amplify your giving.  Wells Fargo will match the first $3,000 donated to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity on Give to the Max Day – doubling the impact your gift can have! We’re asking you to make a difference in someone else’s life by giving whatever amount you want to see matched.

Let’s make 2012 a record year for donations on Give to the Max Day, November 15th!

Amplify Your Giving with Give to the Max Day on Nov. 15th!

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity makes a difference every day by building homes and hope in Cass and Clay Counties. Now more than ever, your generous support means the world to families in our community who want to give their children a safe place to call home.

Join us on Thursday, November 15 for Give to the Max Day, and help us maximize our impact in Cass and Clay Counties. Together we can help families like the Nelson family.

April Nelson and her children on the front steps of their new North Fargo home.

Five years ago, April Nelson and her two children escaped violent relationship and were living in a shelter. April was unsure if she’d ever be able to give her children a safe place to call home.

Your generosity makes it possible for the Nelson family, and others like it to experience the difference that a simple, affordable – and permanent home can have in their lives and in the lives of the generations to come.

“Habitat is amazing! One of my biggest dreams has been to own my own house,” April says. “This house gave my family a stability we’ve never been able to have before.  My kids have a yard to play in and rooms of their own. And I know we are all safe at night.”

Visit GiveMN.org on Thursday, November 15, 2012 and type in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to make your donation or bookmark our giving page. During Give to the Max Day, you can amplify your giving in a number of ways:

  • Matching Gifts! The first $3,000 in gifts to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity on Give to the Max Day will be matched $1 for $1 by Wells Fargo- doubling your impact in this community.
  • Win a Golden Ticket! $1,000will be given to a random donor’s charity every hour. A supersized donation of $10,000 will be donated to a random donor’s non-profit at the end of the day. You could be that donor!
  • Put us on the Leader Board!  The 10 nonprofit organizations that receive the most dollars in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day will receive $12,500,      $5,000, $2,500 or $1,000 (4th through 10th place) prize grants.

Together, we hope to raise more than $6,000 on Give to the Max Day and we’re counting on your help! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you can share in the excitement of the giving day and remember to give November 15.

Habitat ReStore Celebrates 6th Anniversary—And You’re Invited!

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Over the past 6 years, everyone at Habitat ReStore has been working hard to make a difference for people in our local communities and fulfill our mission:

  • To generate funds to support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in building simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties
  • To keep usable building materials, home improvement products and appliances out of local landfills
  • To sell new and gently used home improvement materials and applicances at affordable prices

And over the past 6 years, with the help of generous donors, shoppers, and volunteers, we’ve done just that. This past year, we’ve raised $ 335,327 for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and diverted 1,057,687 pounds of usable materials from local landfills! These great accomplishments have positively impacted our community, our partner families, and our environment, and they wouldn’t have been possible without you. That’s why we’re inviting you to celebrate with us!

Handy the Habitat Bear appreciates your support of Habitat ReStore!

Stop by the ReStore from Monday, July 16th through Sunday, July 22nd for our 6th Anniversary Sale. You’ll find special deals on new and gently used home improvement materials, appliances, and furniture during our biggest sale of the year! Then join us for food and fun at our ReStore Appreciation Picnic on July 20 from 11a-1p. It’s just a small way for us to show you our appreciation—and to kick off many more years of success!

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead and is open Monday – Saturday 10-6, Sundays 12-4.  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.  Material donations are welcome! For more information, call 218-284-5253 x1 or visit our website.

The Excitement is Building!

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s third annual Hard Hat Breakfast, held Wednesday, April 25 at the Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center in Fargo, drew a capacity crowd.  The ballroom was filled with more than 200 people who each enjoyed breakfast and a program about the exciting impact Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is making in our community.  The event raised over $7,000 for the affiliate.

“It was great to see so many people join us this year to learn more about the important work our organization is doing in the community,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director.  “I hope to see many of them on the build sites this summer!”

2012 Hard Hat Breakfast

Stan Franek speaks to a capacity crowd at the 2012 Hard Hat Breakfast

The morning began with Rob Rich, the new Executive Director, welcoming everyone and sharing some information about Habitat for Humanity. “Homeowner Impact,” a video from Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota discussing the 2011 Homeowner Impact Pilot Study was shown to demonstrate the positive effects homeownership can have on the lives of families.  Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President of Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead, shared her thoughts about the long-standing relationship between Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead and Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and what it means for them to sponsor their first build- a home to be built in Fargo in 2012.  Stan Franek, a long time volunteer and Thrivent Builds coordinator, spoke about the nation-wide Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program and his excitement for the 12th Thrivent Builds home to be built by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in 2012.  Jon Mergens and Chelsi Argabright, co-chairs of the Concordia Habitat for Humanity Chapter shared their personal connection to Habitat for Humanity’s mission and why they choose to volunteer with the organization.

Homeowner speaks at Hard Hat

Habitat Homeowner Coreen Graham shares her story at the 3rd annual Hard Hat Breakfast.

Coreen Graham, 2008 Habitat Homeowner, shared her story with the crowd. Graham and her two children now live in a safe home and can use more than one appliance at a time without the fear that the poor electrical wiring will cause a fire.  She also spoke about how her children are no longer ashamed to have friends over and how she was able to take care of her father after he was diagnosed with cancer- all because of the Habitat home she built with volunteers from the community.

“Without Habitat, without the accessible home, my children would not have been able to spend the last months of his life with their grandfather,” Graham said.  “It’s more than a house- it’s our home.”

We would like to thank all the table sponsors and individuals who donated their time and talents to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  Special thanks to our event sponsors this year:  Alerus Financial; Dawson Insurance; Ramada Plaza and Suites; Wallwork Truck Center; and Wells Fargo.  With your donations and support, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes, communities and hope in Cass and Clay counties.

If you are interested in becoming involved in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity or would like more information, please call 218-284-5253 or email habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org.  You can also visit our website to find out more about Habitat and how you can get involved.  If it is helping with a build, making lunch for the build volunteers, or becoming a part of a committee, we offer something for everyone.

Prepare for Cleanup Week: Donate to Habitat ReStore!

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Fargo-Moorhead’s Cleanup Week is May 7-11. Every year, residents of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo have this week to dispose of tires, appliances, and other large items at no charge on their regular garbage collection day.

This Cleanup Week, there’s a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items in an environmentally sustainable way that also supports the local community.  Before you put anything out on the curb, consider donating it to Habitat ReStore and receiving a tax deduction!

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that accepts donations of building materials, appliances (in any condition), and furniture.  By giving these materials another life, Habitat ReStore is able to divert almost 500 tons of materials from area landfills annually!  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties.

Cleanup Week Rules

Each city has their own specifications, which can be found on the Cleanup Week website.

1.Separate items of the same type into distinct piles (tires, appliances, furniture, brush, household garbage, etc.). Separate trucks collect the items.

2.Place garbage in disposable containers, except for oversized items.

3.Items will be collected on your normal garbage pickup day. Do not set items out more than one day early.

4.Crews will not return to pick up garbage set out too late.

5. Remove refrigerator and freezer doors. Do not place food or any other waste inside appliances.

 6. Items must be from residences; no commercial waste will be accepted. Keep household garbage at least four feet away from other Cleanup Week items.

If you have items that are still usable or are not accepted by the city, consider supporting your community and the environment by donating tax-deductible materials to Habitat ReStore!

How do I donate to Habitat ReStore?

Drop Off: Bring your donation to Habitat ReStore, 210 11th Street North, Moorhead during store hours, which are 10-6 Mon – Fri and 10-4 Saturday.

Pick Up: Call (218) 359-0812 to schedule a FREE donation pick-up.

For a list of accepted donations, please visit our webpage.

Habitat Names Rob Rich Executive Director

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity named Rob Rich the organization’s new Executive Director.  Rich has served as the organization’s Construction Manager since 2008.

“Rob is committed to Habitat’s mission of building homes, hope and community,” said Leann Wolff, President of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.  “Rob brings years of experience in construction and working closely with volunteers.  He is an asset to the organization and will lead Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and serve more families in our community.”

“Habitat is a remarkable organization and I have enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with our Partner Families and countless volunteers from the community who make Habitat for Humanity possible,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.  “I look forward to building on the success of this organization and addressing the need for affordable housing in our community.”

The organization also announced their plans to build 2 homes in Fargo during their 2012 build season.  The first is a single family home sponsored by the Home Builders Care Foundation of Fargo Moorhead.  This is the first time the organization will serve as the primary sponsor of a Habitat for Humanity home.  The second is a single family home sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  This will mark the 12th home built by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as part of the Thrivent Builds program.

Habitat ReStore Gives Thanks

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It takes a community to build a home. As the year comes to a close, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is thankful to everyone who helps to keep the cycle going.

Every volunteer counts.  Donated time is often the best gift one can give. Throughout the year, the ReStore’s dedicated volunteers put forth their best to make the store a success. Whether it’s our committed customer service staff that works in the store each week or the dozens of church, school, and community groups that donate their time and expertise throughout the year—thank you.Your upbeat energy and bright ideas keep the cycle going.

Volunteers work at the Habitat ReStore.

Donations are a driving force.  In the past five years, the ReStore has diverted approximately 1,400 tons of materials from landfills with the help of hundreds of homeowners and businesses. Windows, doors, cabinets, appliances, and many other building materials are repurposed each day—donations are the key to this success. Donors, thank you for repurposing thousands of items each year. By making old things new again, you keep the cycle going.

Good spirit spenders.  While some stores’ good fortune only comes on Black Friday, ReStore shoppers find new uses for gently used building products throughout the year. Each purchase directly supports building partnerships with deserving local families. By filling your carts with products every day, you keep the cycle going.

Thank you for helping Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore find success in 2011. For more information about Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore, check out our website, find us on Facebook and Twitter or stop on in. We are located at 210 11th St. North in Moorhead.

Thank you Habitat!

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The Brackins Family at their Wall Raising celebration in September.

Each year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partners with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters to make the dream of homeownership come true for our partner families.  In 2011, our organization is partnering with the Brackins family on a home to be completed in December.  Below is a note from the family expressing their thankfulness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, its volunteers, staff, donors, and supporters.  We hope you enjoy reading this note as much as we do!

Dear Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: I just wanted to say how thankful I am.  My family and I are very thankful for the many coutless blessings that God has provided.  Being chosen out of many for a new home is a dream that has come true!  With that being said I want to thank every volunteer, every staff member, and every supporter of Habitat for Humanity, this couldn’t have been done with all the help and the support. This home has truly opened so many more dreams and opportunities. So I have a lot to be thankful for and that is why I will give our heavenly father thanks and praise for allowing Habitat for Humanity to cross my path; for making the look’s impossible, possible; for a bigger and brighter future, even for just the hands of those who sacrificed their time and who worked hard to make this home possible! So I say unto you again: Thank You! 

Sincerely,

Tonette, Samantha & Anthony Brackins        

Give to the Max Day

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There’s no getting around it. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes for people in need because of great people like you. Our volunteers and donors give of their time, talent and finances to ensure that local families have a bright future. Your gifts matter.

We’re asking you to join with us on November 16 and Give to the Max for your local Habitat affiliate. GiveMN.org is working with nonprofit organizations around the state of Minnesota to help raise as much money as possible for Minnesota nonprofits during their annual 24 hour fundraising drive- known as Give to the Max Day.  Last year more than 42,000 donors logged on to GiveMN.org on Give to the Max Day and raised more than $10 million for 3,663 participating nonprofit organizations.

So how do you get involved? Starting at midnight on November 16, visit http://givemn.razoo.comand and type in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to make your donation or bookmark our giving page.  During Give to the Max Day, you can amplify your giving in a number of ways:

2011 Partner Families

In 2011, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is partnering with 5 families to make the dream of homeownership come true.

  • Matching Gifts!  The first $750 in gifts to Habitat will be matched $1 for $1 by Northern Improvement Company and Construction Resource Group-making your donation go even farther!
  • Win a Golden Ticket!  $1,000 will be given to a random donor’s charity every hour.  You could be that donor!
  • Put us on the Leader Board!  $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 prize grants will be awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations (colleges and universities excluded) which receive the most dollars in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day.

Check out http://givemn.razoo.com to learn more about the great ways to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Your gift to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will make a huge difference in our ongoing work to provide simple, decent, affordable homes for families in our community.

Get ready, get set, give to the Max on November 16!

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