Geronimo Energy (Geronimo), a National Grid company, has donated $5,500 to the Luverne Area Community Foundation (LACF), pushing LACF over its fundraising goal of $50,000.
LACF’s fundraising efforts are focused on its Community Crisis Fund, which was established to help non-profit organizations in Rock County with funding to offset the stresses or demands of COVID-19.
Geronimo is a longtime partner for the Rock County community. Geronimo developed the operating Prairie Rose Wind Farm, a 200 megawatt (MW) wind energy project, and is also currently developing the Elk Creek Solar Project, an 80 MW solar energy project proposed in the local area.
The LACF donation is one of many contributions Geronimo is making throughout the country within its project host communities in an effort to help aid communities during these unprecedented times.
“As a community-focused company, we are committed to the well-being of the residents and organizations who host our renewable energy projects,” said Jordan Burmeister, a senior developer and market lead for Geronimo Energy. “We are proud to support local non-profits and the residents of Rock County with this donation and truly hope it helps their community.”
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Geronimo Energy in an effort to help communities in our county get through this difficult time,” said Emily Crabtree, executive director for LACF.
Two non-profit organizations LACF supported through the Community Crisis Fund are the Luverne Farmers Market and the Palace Theatre.
Farmers Market funding
Corrine Bonnema from the Luverne Farmers Market said everything changed for them with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the items that they had decided to purchase before the opening of the 2020 season, they were suddenly faced with new guidelines from the MN Department of Agriculture, the MN Farmers Market Association and the University of Minnesota Extension with procedures to be followed at farmers markets for the safety of everyone.
The local Farmers Market group came up with a list of items needed to address the safety issues to include hand sanitizers, table sanitizers, paper towels, yellow caution tape, spray chalk, Q-tips to use on the credit card machine and a small table to use as a hand-washing/sanitizing station.
“The budget was not planned for implementing new protocol, but we needed items,” Bonnema said. “Thank you to Emily from LACF for mentioning there was emergency funding available. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing we have a caring community.”
Palace Theatre funded
“Once again, Luverne Area Community Foundation has come through for the Palace Theatre with a grant designed to aid in the struggle against the COVID-19 virus,” said Shawn Kinsinger, executive director for the Luverne Palace Theatre.
“With the grant funds awarded to us, we were able to purchase a disinfecting mister that will allow us to quickly, easily and thoroughly sanitize the Palace after every event. This piece of equipment will go a long way in keeping our visitors and staff safe. We are grateful for the assistance from LACF in our journey to reopen and serve our community.”
About Geronimo Energy
Geronimo Energy is a leading North American renewable energy development company based in Minneapolis, with satellite offices located throughout multiple states in the region where it develops, constructs and operates.
Geronimo’s local development, the Elk Creek Solar Project, is anticipated to bring significant economic benefit to the local community. During the first 20 years of operation, it is estimated to contribute $8.7 million, including new tax revenue, job creation, local spending and charitable funding.