Annual Charity Challenge Raises $625,000 for Local Food Shelves

(KNSI) – The annual Charity Challenge for 2020 is over, and three local area food shelves will be reaping the huge benefits.

The demand on food shelves increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but so did the giving. The challenge raised $625,785 this year, $57,000 more than in 2019.

The Charity Challenge is a partnership with the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

As in years past, the Skalicky Foundation offered a $100,000 match for this holiday season’s Charity Challenge, and it was “generously met.”

Norman C. Skalicky, the founder and chairman of Stearns Bank, says the Charity Challenge has once again fulfilled an important need within the community.

“The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me. This season’s Charity Challenge was a success, not only because we met our match and fed families in need but because it continues to inspire faith, hope, love, and joy. I sincerely thank all of those who helped facilitate, donate and spread the message about the Charity Challenge.”

Greta Stark-Kraker is the Director of Donor Relations at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. She says, “The Charity Challenge proved to be a much needed light at the end of the tunnel that was 2020 and it was great to see so many people offer support to their fellow neighbors and communities in need.” Stark-Kraker adds, “The challenge has once again encompassed exactly what the season of giving is all about, helping each other and truly making a difference in our community during challenging times.”

Proceeds will be given to Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Salvation Army, and St. Joseph food shelves.

Over the past 20 years, the Charity Challenge has raised $4.9 million to support local food shelves.