Philanthropy Drives Goal of Awarding $1 Million in Emergency Financial Assistance in 2013

Since 2001, Angel Foundation has awarded $3 million in emergency financial assistance for non-medical needs to adults in active treatment for cancer in the Twin Cities. The need is great, and increasing. In order to help more cancer patients, in 2013, Angel Foundation is poised to give out $1 million in emergency financial assistance.

In addition to ongoing donor support, a variety of events open to the public will drive fundraising efforts to reach the goal this year:

Special Events

A gala, a golf classic, a runway fashion show and multi-day sale are key special events raising funds for Angel Foundation in 2013.

Angel Foundation jump-started the year with a record-setting Angel Awards Gala. The 11th annual gala, which took place Jan. 26 at the Hilton Minneapolis, raised more than $437,000 — an increase of 56 percent over 2012’s gala, which generated $280,000. The event was the most successful gala in Angel Foundation history, with a record 624 guests gathered to honor individuals, families and organizations for their dedication to and passion for the cancer community. Adding to the buzz and success were the event’s emcee, “Desperate Housewives” star James Denton, and the entertainment, GB Leighton, who debuted a song created especially for Angel Foundation.

The next Angel Foundation special event is Angels & Eagles Golf Classic, set for Monday, July 29 at Minnesota Valley Country Club. Thanks to generous support, this annual event has raised nearly $1 million to help local adults living with cancer and their families. Angels & Eagles features 18 holes of golf on an exclusive, classically styled course, a golf clinic led by a master PGA professional, barbecue lunch, awards, prizes, dinner and more.

In the fall, this year’s Angels & Divas runway fashion show, set for Oct. 6 at the Graves 601, Minneapolis, already promises to raise the bar. Radio station FM 107.1 morning show hosts Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will emcee the event, and the full Divas committee is already at work.

Angel’s Attic, which also takes place each October, rounds out the year’s special events. The multi-day sale – which features new and next-to-new merchandise donated from estate sales, individuals and retailers – last year raised $127,000 for Angel Foundation.

Fundraising Breakfasts and Lunches

Twice a year, Angel Foundation invites business and community leaders to learn about and support key Angel Foundation programs at a fundraising breakfast or luncheon.

The second annual Friends of Angel Breakfast is set for Thursday, April 25 at Town & Country Club, St. Paul. This event features a keynote address by national inspirational speaker, author and cancer survivor Ruth Bachman and has been organized in response to the growing need for Angel Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance program. Also speaking will be Pioneer Press columnist Ruben Rosario, a participant in Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together program.

Then, on June 27, the Kids Kamp Luncheon will take place at Interlachen Country Club, Edina. The event raises funds for Angel Foundation’s Kids Kamp, set for Aug. 6 – 8 at Eden Wood Center, Eden Prairie. The three-day camp, free to participants, provides an opportunity for children and teens who have a parent with cancer to have fun and find support with their peers, teen mentors and adult volunteers.

Community Fundraisers

Angel Foundation enjoys a busy schedule of community fundraisers benefiting the organization. In 2012, more than 50 community fundraisers generated $125,000 for Angel Foundation. Among these events is the annual Bowling for Angel, with fundraising led by Minnesota Oncology to benefit Angel Foundation.

This year, event themes range from sporting events to film to fashion and business. The recent Run Until You Fly Charity Fashion Show at Salon Ultimo, in celebration of cancer survivor Connie Meyer, raised more than $14,000 (from a goal of $5,000). Upcoming community events include Shakopee Chamber of Commerce “Connecting Women in Business” event (April 25 at Mystic Lake Casino); the second annual Bands Against Cancer (June 15 at Blaine City Hall); and REMAX Results Attaboy Ride (June 16 at Dakota County Technical College).

For more information, go to www.mnangel.org or call (612) 627-9000. To speak with someone about Angel Foundation special events or fundraising breakfasts and lunches, contact Brooke Trierweiler at btrierweiler@mnangel.org. For more information about Angel Foundation community fundraisers, contact Sarah Tower at stower@mnangel.org.