Slowly but surely, the Youth Service Bureau is making progress toward its goal of raising $100,000. Launched earlier this year, the Forest Lake-based YSB hopes to raise $100,000 from its 100 Donor Campaign.
The fund-raising drive is an effort to replace lost funding and protect current programs, said Jeanne Walz, executive director.
As of Sept. 1, the drive has reached the $40,000 plateau, the YSB announced this week.
Many people are familiar with the Youth Service Bureau and our mission, Walz said.
Whether the familiarity is through volunteer activities, after school programs, client services or giving financially, ensuring the success of youth is behind it all.
ìThe YSB has been in our community for 28 years, and has recently turned to the community it serves for support,î Walz said.
The 100 Donor Campaign was designed to encourage individuals and business owners in surrounding areas to support the YSB in its transition from public funding for services to a higher and broader level of community ownership.
The idea behind the campaign is for the bureau to seek out 100 donors to donate $1000 or more each, to fill the $100,000 gap in the budget.
Recent donors
The most recent contributors to the 100 Donor Campaign include:
ïMaranatha Church of Wyoming Township;
ïMille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and:
ïHallberg Family Foundation of Forest Lake and Wyoming.
All three donated $1000 to support YSB operations.
Past donors
To date, other business members of the 100 Donor Campaign with donations of $1000 include:
ï Forest Engineering, Inc., Forest Lake.
ïMainstreet Bank of Forest Lake.
ïKey Medical Supply
ïWells Fargo Bank, Forest Lake office.
ïFirst State Bank of Wyoming with offices in Wyoming and Stacy.
ïLino Lakes State Bank with offices in Lino Lakes and Forest Lake.
In addition to businesses, the following individuals, civic organizations and churches have donated $1000 to the campaign:
ïJim and Carol Trudeau.Ý
ïRussell and Karen Alm.Ý
ïBrian Brogmus and Claire Kotts.
ïKen and Diane Tolzmann.
ïJackie and Bruce Anderson.
ïJan Mehlhoff.
ïForest Lake Area Athletic Association.
ïStacy-Lent Fire Relief Association.
ïNorth Branch Area Hockey Association.
ïForest Lake American Legion Post 225.
ïForest Lake Lions Club.
ïForest Lake Rotary Club.
ïForest Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 225.
Other ways to help
Walz says everyone is encouraged to become a 100 Donor Campaign member. Donations of $1000 or more will be recognized as part of this campaign by being honored on a plaque that hangs in the Forest Lake office of the YSB at 244 N. Lake St.
There are other levels of giving for those community members who want to assist in YSBís funding transition, as YSB recognizes that not everyone can give $1000, Walz says. They include:
Sponsor A Youth Program (gifts $325-$999) ó encourages individuals, groups, and businesses to sponsor one or more youth through YSB programs. The average cost for one young person to receive YSB community justice, prevention, or parenting and/or counseling services is $325 during the course of a year.
Friend of a Youth Program (gifts under $325) ó encourages individuals, groups, and businesses to invest in youth with the financial resources they have available. Each and every donation is important to continuing the work of the YSB, Walz says.
For more information on any of the YSB fund-raising programs listed here or YSB programs, call the Forest Lake office at 651-464-3685, or visit the YSB online at www.ysblakesarea.org.
The YSB is a non-profit organization, serving residents of Washington, Chisago and Anoka counties. The mission of YSB is to ensure the success of youth.
Programs and services provided reflect the belief that youth will be successful when relationships are strong, families are involved, communities are caring, harmony is restored and youth have the skills and opportunities for citizenship.
Vehicle donations
The YSB has also announced that it has started a Vehicle Donation Program and will accept many types of vehicles, not just cars and trucks. The list includes: cars, trucks, SUVs, trailers, campers, vans, boats, scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, jet skis, and snowmobiles. The YSB asks that the vehicle is licensed and driveable or towable.
Vehicle donors receive an income tax break for the market value of the vehicle, free vehicle pick up, ability to avoid selling or trading your vehicle, and the opportunity to support youth and volunteer activities that make a difference in the community. To donate a vehicle, call 651-464-3685. For more information about the program, visit www.ysblakesarea.org.
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