FM Raise Your Spirits

Friday, October 9, 2020 • 5:30PM

Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103

Friends of the Children
Fargo-Moorhead

Generational Change, One Child at a Time

Friends of the Children Fargo-Moorhead will partner with several community organizations to identify and select children ages 4-6 years for enrollment in the program. Each child will be paired with a Friend who will spend 3-4 hours a week one-on-one with each child from kindergarten through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what.

In both North Dakota and Minnesota, the number of youth experiencing foster care is increasing. On any given day in Fargo-Moorhead, at least 50 children ages 4-6 are in foster care. Parental substance abuse is now the leading reason for a child’s placement in foster care in North Dakota and Minnesota. Additionally, 1 in 5 people who are homeless in Fargo and Moorhead are children. Nearly all homeless youth (95%) and three-quarters of homeless adults (74%) in Fargo-Moorhead have experienced some type of adverse childhood experience such as abuse, neglect, or out-of-home placement.

Champions of Charity recognizes volunteerism excellence in the form of (4) four “Champions of Charity” awards presented annually at the FM Raise Your Spirits Gala Event. The finalists can be nominated by anyone from individuals, non-profits, businesses, or groups throughout the greater FM community through online submission at the FM Raise Your Spirits website. All nominations are collected and the (4) four award recipients are selected by the FM Raise Your Spirits volunteer committee. The recipients will then each receive a crystal award and 10% of the net monies raised at the Gala will be donated to the charity of their choice in their name.

Finalists are represented in one of four categories of volunteerism:

• Brighter Futures Spirit Award – Nurturing good in our youth
  • Individuals of all ages or groups working to impact the next generation

• Beyond Business Spirit Award – Going beyond 9 to 5 to make a difference
  • Businesses who devote substantial time and resources to giving back to our communities

• Brilliance in Service Spirit Award – Going beyond the call of duty to serve the community
  • Individuals who use their professional skills to benefit others

• Benefiting Families and Lending A Hand Spirit Award – Raising help and hope for families in medical crisis
  • Volunteers that have passionate leadership partnered with Lend A Hand Up to rally community support for those impacted by a serious medical crisis. Please visit lendahandup.org to learn more.