The Virginia Community Foundation and the Essentia Health Virginia Regional Foundation are excited to announce the 23rd Annual Festival of Trees. This beloved community event will be held at the Virginia Elks Lodge November 15th – November 19th.
The proceeds from this “fun”-raising event will be divided equally between the two non-profits. The Virginia Community Foundation’s proceeds will be invested in the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Fund, enabling the Foundation to provide grants that give back to the community we care about. The Essentia Health Foundation’s proceeds will go towards the cost of cold cap treatment for oncology patients, reducing the chance of losing hair while receiving chemotherapy.
This year’s event will have the Silent Auction and Raffle items for bidding throughout the week.
Wednesday, November 15th: Laurentian Chamber of Commerce will kick off the event with Business after Hours.
Thursday and Friday, November 16th and 17th: VCF will host the Designer Handbag Bingo events.
Saturday, November 18th: Essentia Health will host the return of the Tour of Homes event.
Sunday, November 19: Pancake Breakfast
More details to come!
Virginia Community Foundation Awards Grants to Local Organizations
The Virginia Community Foundation announces the recipients of its first grant cycle for 2023.
Funding Downtown Arts – Lyric Center
This $500 grant from the Fund for the Arts will support the Downtown Arts Virginia Program. Every Thursday, the Lyric opens its doors to the community for open art time, where individuals of all ages are invited to take advantage of the Lyric’s space and artistic resources.
Goodman Farewell Concert – Mesabi Symphony Orchestra
This $1,000 grant from the Fund for the Arts will support the commissioning of a new, innovative, multi-movement orchestral tone poem for orchestra and chorus by world-renowned composer, Dr. Rene Clausen.
Rock Ridge Public School Clothes Closet
This $3,203 grant from the Lou’s Closet Fund will provide funding for clothing for the schools’ clothes closet and corrective eyewear for eligible students throughout the school district.
Chamber Music Programming – Northern Lights Music Festival
This $1,170 grant from the Fund for the Arts will support the presentation of professional and student chamber music concerts at the historic B’nai Abraham Cultural Center during the July music festival.
Performance Shelter at Virginia Market Square Site – Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability
This $2,299 grant from the Parks, Lakes and Recreation and the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Funds will support the construction of a wooden rain/sun shelter at the south end of the Kline-Cuppoletti Park facility.
Take a Kid Fishing 2023 – Lake Vermilion Guides League
This $500 grant from the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Fund will support the annual Lake Vermilion event for area youth ages ten to fifteen. The program provides educational training in boat safety, invasive species, knot typing, casting and fish identification.
Lunch Buddies Mentoring Program – United Way of Northeastern Minnesota
This $1,000 grant from the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Fund will support the expansion of the UWNEMN Lunch Buddies Mentoring Program to the North Star and Parkview elementary schools in Virginia.
Mesabi Fit Coalition Support – Mesabi Fit Coalition
This $5,000 grant from the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Fund will support the repurpose of the former Mesabi Family YMCA facility to a community exercise and recreation center.
Spay and Neuter Project for Mesabi Humane Society
This $500 grant from the Virginia Community Foundation Endowment Fund will provide support for the Spay and Neuter Program.
Virginia Community Foundation Awards Scholarships to the Last Graduating Class from the Virginia High School
The Dr. Halvor & Emily Olson Scholarship Fund awarded two $1,000 scholarships to Tye Hiltunen and Wade Harsila.
The Garett Plotnik Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded two $500 scholarships to Paige Maki and Cameron Stocke.
The Dr. Marvin, Joseph & Susie Skaurud Scholarship Fund awarded five $10,000 scholarships to Paige Maki, Siri Stocke, Mia Schuchard, Allison Maus and Wade Harsila.