STRATEGIC PARTNERS
VHEDC APPRECIATES ALL OF ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation ( VHEDC ) couldn ’ t do its work without the help of a number of key strategic partners in the community . The organization is very thankful for their contributions .
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 in Vadnais Heights , as well as in the White Bear Lake and Mounds View School Districts . The organization ’ s focus is in the areas of arts and culture , education , human services and basic needs assistance .
Grant applications are available on the website VHACF . org . They are due for consideration by February 28 and August 31 every calendar year .
“ VHACF has an endowment that allows us to continue to support the community for the long term , for today and also tomorrow ,” said Trisha Cummins Kauffman , Board Chair . One of the many programs VHACF is proud to have supported in 2021 and will continue supporting in 2022 is the Fund for Teachers , which awards grants to teachers looking to travel and bring their experiences back to the classroom . Individuals can get up to $ 5,000 to support their projects . Teams of two or more teachers are eligible for up to a $ 10,000 grant .
Trisha Cummins Kauffman , Board Chair , VHACF & Executive Director , Solid Ground
“ Typically this program involves overseas travel to places like Africa , Spain and Iceland . I believe in Iceland they were studying the country ’ s unique landscape , then bringing that learning back to the classroom . It ’ s a great opportunity not only for the teachers , but the students ,” said Cummins Kauffman .
VHACF also supports the annual ice cream social that takes place at Berwood Park . The 2022 event is tentatively scheduled for June 15 , 2022 .
Support is also offered for organizations like Northeast Youth and Family Services , the White Bear Center for the Arts , senior services in the community and Solid Ground , a non-profit whose mission is to connect people with the resources needed to gain stability and build stronger futures .
“ Vadnais Heights is a great place to live and work . I have lived here for almost 20 years . My son grew up here and went to school in White Bear Lake and continues to love this community as well . I think great communities don ’ t just happen . They become great because
VHACF Advisory Board members , pictured from left to right : Gerry Urban , Amy Peterson , Kevin Kelly , Jim Proulx ( volunteer ), Muriel Janneke , Bob DuFresne and Trisha Kauffman . people who live and work in them come together and offer their support ,” said Cummins Kauffman . In addition to serving as Board Chair for the VHACF , she is also the Executive Director of Solid Ground .
The VHACF is affiliated with and managed by the St . Paul and Minnesota Foundation to take advantage of its expertise in donor resources , administration and investment pool opportunities . Through this affiliation , the organization is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) and contributions may be tax deductible . “ The more money we can raise for the endowment , the more projects we will be able to support ,” said Cummins Kauffman .
In addition to being in need of donations , the VHACF is also looking to add several new Board Members in 2022 . Call VHACF Board Chair Trisha Cummins Kauffman at 651-846-8019 for more information about the opportunity .
FUND FOR TEACHERS
Matthew Skogen and Lindsay Lamwers , White Bear Lake science teachers at Sunrise Park Middle School , received the 2017 Fund for Teachers grant . They traveled to Iceland in August to film that country ’ s unique tectonic features and landforms using a special 360 degree camera , and record themselves teaching . Back in the classroom , students were able to view these special videos using Google Cardboard virtual reality viewers .
32 Northeast Metro Business