Bremer Banks Raise more than $158,000 in Annual Taking Action Against Hunger Campaign Benefiting Second Harvest Heartland
St. Paul, Minn. - July 16, 2009 - Bremer Banks raised $158,134 in the fourth annual “Taking Action Against Hunger” campaign with Second Harvest Heartland. This total included a $96,000 donation from Bremer Bank itself. Donations were made online, at Bremer Bank locations and through employee and client events held throughout the month of June. The total donation amount topped last year’s final amount by more than 20%.
“Bremer Bank and its employees consistently value hunger relief, both as donors and as volunteers,” said Rob Zeaske, executive director of Second Harvest Heartland. “It’s a choice they make both as an institution and as individuals that provides real hope and comfort to our neighbors in need -- especially right now. Well done, Bremer!”
Bremer raised the funds through multiple activities in its communities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin bringing in both donations and food for local food shelves. Some of the activities included: silent auctions, community cook-outs and booths at local farmer’s markets. Bremer employees also donated their time and energy stocking local food shelves and preparing food packages in various communities.
“Ending hunger is an issue that is very important to our employees,” said Stan Dardis, chief executive officer of Bremer Financial Corporation. “We look forward to sponsoring this campaign each year, because it gives us an opportunity to live out our vision of building healthy communities through great partnerships with clients and business partners across our footprint. We would like to thank and congratulate everyone for their efforts in alleviating hunger in our markets.”
Second Harvest Heartland is the Upper Midwest’s largest hunger-relief organization, with a mission of ending hunger through community partnerships. 41 million pounds of grocery products were distributed last year to hungry seniors, families and children through more than 960 non-profit member agencies and programs, including food shelves, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, faith-based organizations and children’s after-school programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For each $1 donated, Second Harvest Heartland can distribute more than $9 worth of grocery products for those in need. For further information, visit www.2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.
Bremer Financial Corporation
Bremer Financial Corporation is a privately-held, $7.5 billion regional financial services company jointly owned by its employees and the Otto Bremer Foundation (OBF). Founded in 1943 by Otto Bremer, the company is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides a comprehensive range of banking, investment, trust and insurance services to more than 100 locations in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. OBF uses its share of dividends to distribute charitable grants to Bremer Bank communities. For more information, go to bremer.com.