College uses new way to raise funds for students in crisis

November 10, 2020

Recognizing that there are many students who might not have enough money for rent or food, the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Foundation is using the internet as a way to help those who experience an unforeseen crisis.

Making a Difference, a virtual event, Thursday, Nov. 19, noon, will include the stories of students who have received crisis grants in the past and how they overcame their difficulties. The event can be viewed again in the following week. The site is https://app.mobilecause.com/e/MBsqA or you may go to Anokaramsey.edu/donate then scroll down to the middle and click, Making a Difference Virtual Event.

“Our goal is to raise $40,000 to continue this special program,” said Lindsey Schiller, foundation development director . “We are so pleased that we have already received major sponsorships from Allina Health and the Ramsey Lions. We ask everyone to help us reach our goal by joining us over the lunch hour on Nov. 19, especially since we are unable to have an in-person event to explain the need.”

The program, initiated in 2004 by a grant from the Kopp Family Foundation, is now called the Crisis Grant. Last year the foundation was able to award more than $46,000 to students.

Anyone who is unable to watch the virtual event can donate by texting ARCC2020 to 41444 and following the prompts to make a gift. Those preferring to donate by check may make it payable to Anoka-Ramsey Community College Foundation and mailing it to ARCC Foundation, 11200 Mississippi Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Please write “making a difference” in the memo line.

"Thank you to all those in our generous community who help us support our students," said MariBeth Olson, foundation chair. "In our current COVID crisis, we find our donors to be a lifeline to many of our students. We can't do it without you."