Last year, $34 million was generously donated during Give to the Max 2022. And while we celebrate that number as an indicator of Minnesota’s generosity, what’s much harder to measure is the “why.”
With hundreds of thousands of gifts generously given during Give to the Max, there are countless stories of the inspiration for that generosity. Four donors during Give to the Max last year generously shared their “why”—personal stories about just four of the 6,439 organizations that took part in Minnesota’s giving holiday last year.
Ahead of GTMD23, we encourage each of you to think about the inspiration for your giving and share those stories with your friends and family.
Amanda Yasgar, Grey Face Rescue and Retirement
Amanda Yasgar shares how stumbling across a few social media posts started a meaningful relationship with Gray Face Rescue and Retirement, why she gives to and volunteers with them, and how the organization works to find loving homes for sweet senior pets labeled by some as “unadoptable.”
I have been volunteering with Grey Face Rescue and Retirement since 2021. I am currently the Cat Program Manager and Secretary on the Board. My journey with this incredible organization began when I stumbled upon their Facebook postings. — they were the first group in our area to open an indoor dog park. I thought, "What a brilliant idea!" Little did I know this discovery would lead me to a cause I'm incredibly passionate about.
I'm particularly passionate about senior animals as these gentle souls are often overlooked when it comes to adoption. I've personally adopted cats who are 10 years or older, long before I joined Grey Face. I always seek out the seniors who have the smallest chance of finding a new home because I understand how much it matters to them.
Senior animals have outgrown the antics of their younger counterparts and have so much love and kindness to offer. They want to sleep and snuggle, yet they struggle to compete with the allure of kittens and puppies. Families often lean toward bringing home the youngest animals, leaving seniors waiting longer to find their forever homes. Some even get labeled as "unadoptable" solely due to their age.
Grey Face Rescue works tirelessly to change this perception. They focus on showcasing the wonderful qualities of senior pets and advocate for their right to a second chance at a loving home. Senior animals are often surrendered because their elderly owners have passed away or moved into assisted care. These pets, who have been cherished members of their families, deserve a chance to live out their remaining years happy and loved.
I support the Grey Face Rescue mission to provide the best possible medical care for senior pets. Just like humans, medical costs increase as animals age. Grey Face strives to give senior animals a fresh start in their new homes by addressing any outstanding medical concerns, allowing them to focus on being healthy and happy.
The senior cat program resonates with me the most, given my profound love for feline companions. Senior cats are the epitome of sweetness and calm. Grey Face's dental donation project also caught my attention. This initiative aims to support the costs of dental procedures, which can be a significant barrier to adoption for some senior pets. By generating donations for dental care, Grey Face can help these animals and expedite their journey to loving homes. It's a cause I wholeheartedly support.
I've had numerous personal connections with the people and communities served by Grey Face. I've consoled families facing the heart-wrenching decision to surrender their pets as well as celebrated with individuals who send updates and letters, sometimes even years after adopting a pet. The volunteer community is a close-knit group of kind-hearted individuals who consistently show up, despite the emotional challenges. I've made new friends and met countless good people who are all part of this organization's positive impact.
My journey with Grey Face Rescue and Retirement has been a deeply rewarding experience. The work we do to give senior animals a second chance and the connections we form with the community make it a cause that's not just close to my heart but has become an integral part of my life.
David Panewski, International Wolf Center
After his son participated in a transformative summer program with the International Wolf Center, David Panewski explains why his family became members of the organization—and how it opened a door to a new and interesting world.
We were immediately struck by the International Wolf Center’s commitment to educating the public about wolf behavior, dispelling misconceptions, providing accurate information, and sharing the history of wolf-human interactions. The center offered an immersive experience with an interpretive area featuring dioramas of wolf behavior and educational displays, as well as short documentaries and presentations about wolves in a small theater.
My son participated in a summer school program that delved into the world of wolves at the International Wolf Center in Brooklyn Park. This program, led by an educator who had volunteered for wolf projects at Yellowstone, opened his eyes to the complexity of wolf society and the vast learning opportunities available at the Center. After that transformative week, we purchased a family membership, and our support has only grown.
Watching the ambassador wolves' natural behavior offered deep insights into the complexity of a wolf pack's social structure. For instance, we observed how even the dominant male wolf would protect and nurture the younger members of the pack, despite their potential status as subordinates. Witnessing this dynamic firsthand, especially through the "What's for Dinner?" events, helped my son and me truly understand the social rules and dynamics of a wolf pack.
By allowing the public to observe these interactions up close, rather than just reading or watching from a distance, the International Wolf Center creates a real connection and understanding of these animals. We even witnessed my son, who had attended a summer school program focused on wolves, educating other visitors about wolf behavior based on his newfound knowledge. Many visitors expressed surprise at what they learned during their visits, often saying, "I didn't realize" or "I didn't know" when confronted with facts about wolf behavior.
The center's work in dispelling misconceptions is essential for the continued survival and success of wolf populations, and I firmly believe understanding these animals will lead to a more positive and improved reputation for them. Educating people about wolves can lead to a broader interest in wildlife and nature in general, fostering a better understanding of co-existing with these creatures. The school-focused education initiative may guide young minds toward careers in wildlife biology or simply open their hearts and minds to the connection between humans and wildlife.
The International Wolf Center also offers internships to college-age students and recent graduates. These interns engage with the public, providing facts about various aspects of wolf life, their role in the environment, their impact on other animal populations, and their complex relationship with human communities. This outreach helps keep information relevant and balanced, addressing both the pros and cons of re-introducing wolves to regions where they once roamed. The center's approach is to present the facts and let the public form its perception of the wolf's value as a vital part of the rural environment.
Rhyan Schicker, CURE (Clean Up the River Environment)
Fresh off a move to Minnesota in 2017, Rhyan Schicker looked to get involved and start to meet people by attending a local volunteer event. What started as a day working to clear invasive buckthorn turned into a deep relationship with CURE, where Rhyan has since become a monthly donor and joined the board of directors.
I first learned about CURE (Clean Up the River Environment) in 2017 when I made the bold move from my home state of New York to rural Minnesota, where I didn't know a single person. I discovered CURE through a local volunteer event they were hosting focused on removing invasive species from a local historical site and this would mark the beginning of my deep connection to the organization.
As we toiled together to remove truckloads of invasive buckthorn, we shared lunch, stories, and contact information, and in that moment, my network of friends and professional relationships began to flourish. CURE became more than just a nonprofit to me; it was a community of like-minded individuals who cared deeply about the environment and were committed to making a difference.
One of the aspects of this cause I'm particularly passionate about is how CURE uses the natural environment as a gateway to build connections. This is a powerful strategy that can pave the way for future advocacy work. Through experiences like participating in Bioblitz events and attending workshops on native mussels, I learned about the vital role of prairie and wetland ecosystems and how to better protect them. These hands-on experiences not only educated me but also instilled a profound appreciation for the environment and a desire to take action to preserve it.
Within CURE, there are specific projects, programs, and initiatives that appeal to me, especially as a natural resource professional. I'm always seeking ways to broaden my knowledge and impact, especially concerning climate change. CURE's climate resiliency work has proven to be a valuable resource. Their focus on water sustainability, energy democracy, and human connection with nature ties it all together, showing how we can make a difference in our local communities and state.
My commitment to this cause is long-term. I support CURE through a monthly donation as well as participating in fundraising events like Give to the Max Day. I've had the privilege of serving two terms on the board, with my current term as Board Chair. Being closely involved with CURE has allowed me to witness firsthand the impactful programs and events they participate in and the work they help fund. I know my contributions are helping sustain and strengthen rural ecosystems and communities, and I'm dedicated to continuing this support.
I've found it's essential to communicate the broader impact of CURE. In a world filled with various causes and pressing issues, it can be overwhelming to decide where to focus one's efforts. By supporting CURE's work, you're not just contributing to one cause; you're helping to strengthen rural communities as well as protect Minnesota's water resources, prairie lands, and forests. CURE's dedicated staff, who are leading the nation in their work, can provide the resources individuals need to become more involved. Whether it's through financial donations, on-the-ground actions, volunteering, connecting with like-minded peers, or increasing one's knowledge of local projects, CURE offers a multitude of avenues for people to make a difference in their communities and their environment.
Carol Allen, My Very Own Bed
Working through grief after the loss of her husband, Carol Allen was the very first donor to My Very Own Bed. Learn how that $500 gift has now sparked major impact for children across Minneapolis.
The inspiration for my support of My Very Own Bed, a nonprofit organization that provides beds to children in Minneapolis who have never had one, is deeply rooted in a personal journey of love and loss. After my husband, a dedicated volunteer and kind-hearted individual, passed away suddenly, our son came forward with a heartfelt idea to honor his father's memory. He proposed the idea of giving beds to underprivileged children in Minneapolis, as a way to deal with the grief of his loss. I provided him with $500 to kickstart this initiative, and My Very Own Bed was born.
As an elementary teacher in the metro area for more than 30 years, I understood the critical importance of quality sleep for children and its impact on their overall health, including mental well-being, behavior, and overall well-being. I am lucky enough to have witnessed the genuine joy on the faces of children who received not just mattresses but also bedframes, pillows, sheets, books, homemade blankets, and more. Many of these children had been sleeping on the floor, air mattresses, or sharing beds with family members.
My hope for supporting this organization is to see it continue to grow and deliver more beds to children each year as the need persists. My Very Own Bed consistently meets its annual goals for bed deliveries, a testament to the dedication of the organization and its supporters.
I am particularly drawn to the diverse projects, programs, and initiatives within My Very Own Bed. Families volunteer together, church groups and scouts get involved, individuals like me make blankets, and contributions, both physical and financial, pour in. The organization also partners with schools, banks, churches, businesses, and even the Vikings to make a difference.