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Aeon provides homes for nearly 3,000 people each year. | |
Annual fundraiser results in record funds
Ae on hosted nearly 800 guests on Wednesday, May 12 at its ninth “Beyond Bricks & Mortar” fundraising breakfast. The event, held at the Hilton Minneapolis, raised $555,000 in funding for Aeon’s work to provide home.
The program included Kolandria Metcalf, a 17-year old resident of Aeon’s Archdale apartments for homeless youth. She described growing up amidst gangs, drugs, and violence and only finding the peace and balance she needed when she moved into the Archdale. “I come home to a place that’s full of comfort, friendship, understanding, respect, and love,” she told the audience.Aeon President and CEO Alan Arthur described the organization’s challenges in obtaining the funding needed for new developments during the current financial crisis, but said Aeon’s work has never been more critical, as so many Twin Cities residents face homelessness and unemployment.  “The current economic and world situation demands personal action. Yesterday’s easy path is gone; none of us climb fierce mountains alone. We must climb them together, linked, hand-in-hand, until we reach our goals,” said Arthur.
Donations included 29 new members in Aeon’s Cornerstone Society, a giving program for people who pledge $1,000 or more annually for five years. New Cornerstone Society gifts were matched dollar for dollar by a group of key supporters, doubling the impact of these gifts.
“We are thrilled with the response to this year’s event,” says Vice President of Fund Development Joanne Kosciolek. “Especially at a ti me when people are uncertain about their own financial futures, it says so much that they understand the role Aeon plays in providing a basic need, the need for decent, stable homes for everyone.”
The event was sponsored by Premier Sponsor: Frerichs Construction; Parking Sponsor: Cuningham Group; and Sustaining Sponsors: US Bank and Wells Fargo.
Weren’t able to attend the breakfast, but want to contribute to our mission? Donate online today!
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