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'Max your community' fund drive starts Nov. 1

Subhead
LACF encourages rural Rock County towns to start local endowments
Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

The Luverne Area Community Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign Nov. 1 through Nov. 11 called “Max Your Community.”
The effort picks up where Luverne’s legendary Red Arrow program left off in 2019 when it dissolved after 55 years of collaborative local philanthropy.
Red Arrow was launched in 1965 by a group of Luverne bankers, doctors, attorneys, clergymen, manufacturers, farmers, retailers and stay-at-home moms.
They wanted to form a local charity to bring all local charities together under a single fundraising campaign — rather than each group competing for the same dollars with individual drives.
The need for centralized, collaborative fundraising is as strong today as it was 55 years ago, and LACF director Emily Crabtree said the foundation is well-positioned to build on those principles with modern-day applications.
“We’re calling it Max Your Community, and it’s an 11-day run when donors have the opportunity to give to their specific communities within Rock County,” Crabtree said.
“We hold a fund for Hills, Beaver Creek, Hardwick, Magnolia, Jasper, Steen and Kenneth. They have an opportunity to hold a $10,000 endowment if they can raise $5,000.”
The LACF will match $5,000 to any community that raises $5,000.
“We want to show the outer perimeter of the county that we believe in their communities. We work for them and we believe in their long-term sustainability.”
With an endowment, the principle remains in the account, and interest it generates is available for use.
Communities are still eligible to apply for funds through the LACF community grant program, which will receive 1 percent of Max Your Community proceeds.
The 11-day fund drive got a pre-start kickoff with businesses Tuesday, Oct. 5, when LACF hosted morning coffee and after-5 cocktails to share information about Max Your Community.
Lincoln Street Warehouse hosted the LACF business socials, which brought together Chamber leaders, business leaders, LACF staff and Crabtree’s father, John Bowron, who renovated the Lincoln Street warehouse for his collector car restoration hobby.
Following Red Arrow’s mode of operation, LACF seeks to reach donors through the employees of Rock County businesses.
If businesses match their employees’ donations, they’ll get free air time during a radio-thon on the final day of the campaign in the LACF office next to the Palace Theatre at Main Street and Freeman Avenue.
Luverne’s KQAD will broadcast live from LACF from 2 to 6 p.m. when participating businesses can share their stories of community giving on air.
They’ll also receive a window sign that states "I Maxed My Community" to encourage other nonprofit solicitors to apply for grants through LACF.
The goal is to raise $100,000 countywide.
“Listen in and join us on Nov. 11 to help us reach our goal,” Crabtree said. “The more we’re giving all together, the better we’ll be altogether.”
Gifts can be mailed or dropped off Nov. 1-11.
“Most importantly, you will be a part of creating health and vitality in your community through partnership with LACF and local nonprofits,” Crabtree said.
She said Max Your Community is a way to launch the countywide fund drive and also honor Red Arrow’s history.
“Donors are still looking for places to go; their recipients are wondering if they’ll get their Red Arrow checks,” Crabtree said.
For information on how to support the effort, the LACF phone number is 507-220-2424, or email emily@LACF.org.

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