Northeast Metro Business VHEDC 2019 | Page 55

NONPROFITS Providing Unique Opportunities for Community Improvement and Enrichment A ccording to the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, “Nonprofit organizations promote the health and well-being of society. Organizations provide people in all communities around the state with services and assistance to help meet needs unmet by government and the for-profit sector. Nonprofits are also an important part of the economy, employing one out of every nine workers in the state. Nonprofit organizations are known for their contributions to their communities, focusing on volunteerism and making a difference.” VADNAIS HEIGHTS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF) is proud to support and strengthen the community by making grants to help meet community needs. Past grants have included: fellowships to local teachers in partnership with Fund for Teachers®; funds to local libraries and local area food shelves; annual scholarships for high school seniors and elementary school scholarships for environmental camp; nonprofit organizations supporting families in crisis; local public safety providers and various community service projects; community theaters, local arts and cultural events; and funds to a number of the many excellent nonprofits in the community providing much-needed vocational, social and transportation services.  VHACF also partners with the City of Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation and various individuals to accomplish wonderful things for Vadnais Heights residents, area businesses and its surrounding communities.  VHACF needs your help! VHACF receives grant requests that are quadruple the amount of available funds. Visit the website (below) or mail your tax-deductible donation today! PO Box 270502 Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 vhacf.org manages the Vadnais Heights Food Shelf. Signature events include: Bi-annual Waffle Breakfasts, Heritage Days activities, an Annual Golf Tournament, and a Toy/Gift and Food Distribution. Proceeds from these annual events benefit youth, the elderly, and provide scholarships to three area high schools. Your tax-deductible donations can be sent to the following address. Or, consider joining a service project. LIONS CLUB AND FOUNDATION KIDSIGHT SCREENING, APRIL 7 The Vadnais Heights Lions through the Lions KidSight program will provide free vision screening for children six months to six years of age. Screening will be conducted at the Spring Waffle Breakfast, April 7, at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Caring for vision has been a priority for the Lions since 1925 when Hellen Keller asked the Lions to be Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness. 800 E. County Road E Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651-260-9346 e-clubhouse.org/sites/vadnaishts lionskidsightusa.org WHITE BEAR CENTER FOR THE ARTS WBCA is a place for everyone – ensuring the joys and opportunities of the arts are accessible to, and inclusive of, all people in the community who wish to participate! • Over 900 high-quality art classes offered throughout the year, available for all experience levels and ages. LCI Forward – Our Next 100 Years! Lions Club International is the largest service organization in the world. It boasts almost 1.5 million members worldwide, with clubs in over 213 countries and territories. LCI International will continue to focus on Vision Care, Diabetes Education, Childhood Cancer, Hunger Relief, Protecting the Environment and Engaging our Youth. The Vadnais Heights Lions Club, founded in 1980, • Free onsite lectures bring in experts from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, University of Minnesota, internationally-renowned artists, poets and authors.  • Free performances and seven gallery exhibitions in the beautiful Ford Family Gallery. Stop by today and discover a welcoming community that encourages vhedc.com 55