Petersburg Pilot

Petersburg Community Foundation

meets fundraising challenge

Keith Chaplin

July 15, 2010.

A Petersburg community fundraising challenge introduced during Mayfest was successfully completed on July 5 when $50,000 in total donations was collected.

The challenge, initiated by Ed Rasmuson, promised matching funds for every dollar collected up to $50,000 to be used by the Petersburg Community Foundation.

Rasmuson visited Petersburg during Mayfest, and challenged the community to raise the funds at a donor event, Petersburg Community Foundation Chair Cynthia Wallesz said.

“It was a big surprise. Just for Petersburg,” she said.

Wallesz, said that a large donation from John and Bert Winther helped to complete the challenge.

“This generous addition to the fund brings Petersburg’s endowment to just over $265,000,” Wallesz said in a press release. “These new funds will aid in the long-term financial sustainability of these vital, community organizations.”

The Petersburg Community Foundation also recently assisted two local non-profit organizations. The WAVE Endowment received $7,100 and Petersburg Mental Health Services Fund received $5,000, Wallesz said.

This fall, in September or October, there will be an opportunity for local non-profits to apply for grants from the Petersburg Community Foundation.

According to the Foundation’s website, $5,000 in grants were given in 2009.

Wallesz said the plan as of now is to offer at least the same amount in 2010.

“We hope to have money working in the community by the end of the year,” Wallesz said.