Several organizations in the Minot area have received charitable donations from the Aggie Foundation in partnership with local businesses. The Aggie Foundation seeks to build and support vibrant communities throughout North Dakota by providing economic assistance to groups identified by local partners.

Recent donations have included: $1,500 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Out of the Darkness Walk; $3,500 to Gymagic Gymnastics; $1,700 to the Minot Public School Foundation; $1,000 to OpenMind; and $500 to Project BEE.

Twyla Hofer, volunteer and advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and co-chair of the Minot Out of the Darkness Walk, partnered with local businesses to distribute drink coasters in the display area for information about suicide prevention. This project connected the organization with the Aggie Foundation, which donated $1,500 towards the 2021 Out of the Darkness Walk, a fundraiser for the American Society for Suicide Prevention. Minot has hosted 11 of these walks, and the donation will allow the organization to continue to provide mental health training and suicide awareness programs.

“It’s hard to feel that you are alone. We want to share the message that you aren’t alone. There is help out there. The walks provide a day to bring hope and healing and support to the community,” Hofer said.

Gymagic Gymnastics is another local nonprofit that provides a fun, interactive and safe environment that encourages movement, exploration and helps instill members with a sense of self-esteem that leads to a lifetime of success. The donation of $3,500 will help in covering the cost of training, educating and certifying employees and will assist in the purchase of equipment for recreational, pre-school and adaptive classes.

“We are very fortunate to have received this donation. Generation and goodwill are the heart of our organization and allows us to give back to our community in a positive way,” said Gymagic Gymnastics Executive Director Talli Danelson.

The Aggie Foundation continues to build partnerships with local businesses and charitable organizations in Minot and rural communities across the state. It looks to support causes that impact students, the general public and underserved populations.