STRATEGIC PARTNERS
VHEDC IS THANKFUL FOR ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS - THE VADNAIS HEIGHTS LIONS CLUB AND FOUNDATION
The Vadnais Heights Lions Club was chartered in 1980 . As a part of Lions Clubs International the organization ’ s focus begins locally and expands far beyond . Though it supports many causes , the mission of the foundation states it is “ a volunteer organization striving to improve the quality of life in our community through humanitarian services ”
“ This last year has shown us how much we enjoy and missed serving others . We missed seeing each other , those that support our missions , and those in need . Through it all we were able to continue our much-needed services and a few fundraising events ,” said Director Eileen Schirer .
A few highlights : The VH Community Food Program , a . k . a . the Food Shelf , which is managed by the VH Lions , did not miss a single distribution day . With careful consideration for safety , clients were invited to remain in their cars as volunteers placed food inside . Lions also delivered bags of groceries to the doors of seniors in need .
The Lions Club ’ s Holiday Toy Drive and Distribution was bigger than ever . “ The support of our community was amazing . With thoughtful planning families were able to select many gifts for each of their kids . The number of kids that received gifts was higher than all previous years ,” said Schirer .
Though unable to hold two of the organization ’ s signature sit-down Belgium Waffle Breakfasts in 2020 , on May 23 , 2021 . the Lions Club hosted its first drive through event : Waffles To-Go , and will hold an in-person , indoors event at the VH Commons on October 3rd where guests will be able to enjoy waffles while gathering with family and friends . Heritage Days will also be in person in August .
Learn more about VH Lions Club and Foundation here : E-clubhouse . org / sites / vadnaishts
The Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation
The Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation ( VHACF ) is a broad-based foundation in the community that supports as many non-profits as it can , while being responsive to the needs of the community . The mission of VHACF is to strengthen the community through private giving .
When the pandemic struck and it became apparent there would be increased needs for assistance in the community , the VHACF made changes to its grant program . “ We accelerated our grant rounds in 2020 , moving the August deadline up to June , and specifically offered to help with pandemic related assistance ,” said Trisha Cummins-Kauffman , Chair of the VHACF Board of Directors .
In 2021 , the organization is hoping to resume more of its typical activities , which include assisting the City of Vadnais Heights with putting on its annual Ice Cream Social and sponsoring local teachers through the Teachers Fund who wish to travel to build their knowledge and skills in a particular area and then bring that back to their classrooms . VHACF scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in the White Bear Lake , AFSA and Mounds View School Districts have continued .
Cummins-Kauffman says the organization currently has a need for new Board members . Those interested in learning more about helping the Vadnais Heights community should send an email to info @ vhacf . org .
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