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VHEDC IS THANKFUL FOR ALL OF ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS The Vadnais Heights Economic Corporation (VHEDC) considers itself very fortunate to have a number of key strategic partners in the community. The Vadnais Heights Lions Club and Foundation and The Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF) are among them. welcome. Each year, with the help of our community partners, we manage a collection of toys/gifts and funds. These toys/gifts along with food are distributed to families in need in December,” said Lion Ken Kauffman, President of the Vadnais Heights Lions Club. Vadnais Heights Lions Club Foundation Throughout the year, the organization has several “signature projects,” including the biannual Waffle Breakfasts, an annual golf tournament, and Heritage Days. “Look for us on Saturday at the free Lions Kids Games and at our Pig Roast. We will also be grilling on Sunday and serving beverages both days. Proceeds from these events are used to support Lions causes locally and globally. We are looking for volunteers for both days,” said President Kauffman. Chartered nearly 40 years ago, The Vadnais Heights Lions Club and Foundation is part of Lions Clubs International (LCI) which is the world’s largest service organization. LCI’s mission is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. More information about the Vadnais Heights Lions Club can be found online at E-clubhouse.org/sites/vadnaishts/ Lions around the world focus on these causes: Vision Care, Diabetes Education, Hunger Relief, Protecting the Environment, and Childhood Cancer. In the Vadnais Heights community, local youth are supported through scouting and by providing scholarships to students, along with other programs. The Club also supports senior programs. “We have managed and financed the Vadnais Heights Community Food Program since 1984. The Food Shelf distribution takes place the 3rd Saturday of each month. Volunteers are always 54 Northeast Metro Business Lion Sara at the Waffle Breakfast. 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 changing needs of the community. The organization’s priorities are education, arts and culture, and health and human services. The Mission of VHACF is to strengthen the community through private giving. “Our purpose is to enhance and improve the quality of life Jerry Moynagh in our area community through developing financial resources to promote into perpetuity the cultural, educational, environmental and economic assets of our area,” said VHACF Chairman Jerry Moynagh. Since 1990, VHACF has been issuing grants of up to $10,000 per year. Past recipients include both Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf, Solid Ground, White Bear Center for the Arts, Merrick, and Northeast Youth and Family Services. In addition, $1,000 scholarships have been given to White Bear Lake, Mounds View, and AFSA students. VHACF received the 2015 Community Partnership Award from the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation.