Radio-thon wraps up 'Max Your Community'

The Luverne Area Community Foundation is wrapping up an 11-day fundraising drive called “Max Your Community.”
The campaign culminates Thursday, Nov. 11, with a live KQAD broadcast from LACF office between 2 and 6 p.m. when people can call, stop in or log on to donate.
“We’re hoping this will be the push to get us closer to our $100,000 goal,” said LACF director Emily Crabtree.
The radio segment will feature testimonials from organizations that have received LACF funds, and those who have donated will share their perspectives on the importance of community giving.
“It will be an opportunity to hear and understand how your donations benefit organizations in the community,” Crabtree said.
“There will be inspiring stories about why you should give and why LACF is a good portal for giving.”
So far, the drive has raised $40,000, and donors can continue to support the effort through the end of the year.
The Max Your Community campaign allows donors an opportunity to give to their specific communities within Rock County.
“We hold a fund for Hills, Beaver Creek, Hardwick, Magnolia, Jasper, Steen and Kenneth,” Crabtree said.
“They have an opportunity to hold a $10,000 endowment if they can raise $5,000.”
The LACF will match $5,000 to any community that raises $5,000. So far, Hills and Hardwick have met their $5,000 goals for the LACF match.
“We want to show the outer perimeter of the county that we believe in their communities,” Crabtree said. “We work for them and we believe in their long-term sustainability.”
With an endowment, the principal remains in the account, and the interest it generates is available for use.
Communities are still eligible to apply for funds through the LACF community grant program, which will receive 1 percent of Max Your Community proceeds.
“The more we’re giving all together, the better we’ll be altogether,” Crabtree said.
“Most importantly, you will be a part of creating health and vitality in your community through partnership with LACF and local nonprofits.”
The effort picks up where Luverne’s legendary Red Arrow program left off in 2019 when it dissolved after 55 years of collaborative local philanthropy.
The need for centralized, collaborative fundraising is as strong today as it was 55 years ago, and Crabtree said the foundation is well-positioned to build on those principles with modern-day applications.
Last year LACF awarded grants totaling $78,000 to 21 organizations in five communities.
She said Max Your Community is a way to raise money and also honor Red Arrow’s history.
“Donors are still looking for places to go; their recipients are wondering if they’ll get their Red Arrow checks,” Crabtree said.
For information on how to support the effort, the LACF phone number is 507-220-2424, or email emily@luvacf.org.