Angel Foundation, Cheerful Givers & Kids ‘n Kinship named runners-up
Dakota Electric Association named Majestic Hills Ranch, Lakeville, as the local 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner. Angel Foundation, Minneapolis, Cheerful Givers, Eagan, and Kids ‘n Kinship, Apple Valley, were named runners-up, and each of the four applicants received a plaque and a check for $500.
“Dakota Electric is proud to be able to recognize these organizations doing great work in our local communities,” said Greg Miller, Dakota Electric’s president and chief executive officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to our local communities and this is a way to encourage and honor those who are like-minded.”
Majestic Hills Ranch (www.majestichillsranch.com) helps children with special needs by providing therapeutic riding sessions that build self-esteem, muscle strength, coordination and cognitive skills. The ranch also assists military veterans and youth organizations, such as scouts and 4-H.
Cheerful Givers (www.cheerfulgivers.org) provides toy-filled birthday gift bags to families in need so that children can receive a special gift on their birthday. The gift bags are distributed through shelters and food shelves.
Kids ‘n Kinship (www.kidsnkinship.org) connects adult mentors with children who are in need of a positive role model in their lives. The organization serves about 170 children each year and always has a waiting list.
The Angel Foundation (www.mnangel.org) provides financial assistance for cancer patients’ non-medical basic needs expenses and provides education and support for families. The organization has granted more than $2.5 million to more than 2,500 cancer patients since 2001. In 2010, there were 99 cancer patients who received $51,000 in financial assistance in Dakota County.
The Touchstone Energy Community Award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community.
Majestic Hills Ranch award application will be submitted for the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from local award winners throughout Minnesota and will receive $1,000. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be announced in February, during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul. Dakota Electric’s applicants, Cheerful Givers and Kids ‘n Kinship have been past winners of the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award.
