By Nate Mickelberg
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When John, Brian, and Francisco walked through the doors of New Life Center, each brought with them a unique story and set of circumstances. John had recently lost his job as a truck driver and was facing a cancer diagnosis. “I was a drunk,” he says. “I lost jobs. Got divorced. Didn’t have much to […]
As Tim Sullivan sat down at his desk early on Giving Hearts Day, he got a call from an unknown number. It was from a Pennsylvania area code, and while many people would send the potential spam to voicemail, Sullivan was used to mystery callers. “It was an older gentleman,” says Sullivan, who has served […]
If you grew up a fan of comic books, you remember the Bat Signal. In the mythical Batman universe, whenever Gotham City was under attack, the police would fill the night sky with a giant, bat-shaped searchlight to let Batman know his help was needed. And every time — day or night, rain or shine […]
“There are a whole bunch of kids just like you. And you sit in a spot to help not only yourselves but those other children. So what are you going to do?” It was a lot to put on the shoulders of a group of 18-year-olds, but Mary Jean Dehne knew they needed to hear […]
“Okay, now tell me about your room.” (Silence) “What furniture do you have for yourself?” Still nothing, but volunteer Judy doesn’t give up easily. “There isn’t anything you need?” Finally, a response: “Nope, I’m here for my kids.” An hour later, Judy has worn her down. The mom of five she’s been helping pick out […]
Randy Schoenborn understands the importance of rural healthcare all too well. “I grew up in Mahnomen (Minnesota), and my dad, many years ago, had a heart attack,” says Schoenborn, who serves as the executive director of RiverView Foundation in Crookston, Minnesota. “And they got him to the Mahnomen hospital and airlifted him to Fargo. But […]
Whenever Tracy Alin visits House of Mercy orphanage in Andhra Pradesh, India, a familiar face opens the gate. Shirt buttoned to the top — even on the most sweltering days — Moshe is there to greet her and the other visitors with a smile. He’s 26 now and takes seriously his role as the head […]
This isn’t your typical graduation. There are no caps or gowns, no excited parents corralling kids together for group photos, and no grand plans being made about summer trips or move-in dates for college in the fall. No, this is a different kind of graduation, a celebration not of academic accomplishment but of second chances. […]
For Lori Dvirnak Lundblad, Camp Bentley is a family affair. “I was there for the first time before I was even a year old, and I think my grandma — who was 96 or 97 at the time — was the oldest camper ever.” Dvirnak Lundblad is the do-it-all executive director of the summer camp […]
One of the best parts about Giving Hearts Day is seeing Giving Hearts Businesses take the day and make it their own. Whether it’s four area businesses teaming up to host a pickleball tournament benefitting multiple charities or Gehrtz Construction Services’ founder agreeing to pierce his ears if their team raises $10,000, each year GHD […]