Charity Committee

It is that time of year to sign up for the MLK Jr Day of Service. Please sign up for your MLK Jr. Day of Service option here. All submissions are due by the end of the day on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Please be sure to complete the survey even if you are enrolled in EPIC Systems training that day.

Volunteer Options We have a variety of ways to participate in the MLK Jr. Day of Service: 1. Off-Site Options **a. Feed My Starving Children -sign up here and fill out the MLK Jr Day survey. **

• CG has reserved spots at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen on January 20, from 12:00-1:45 PM (20 spots available).
• If you prefer a different date, sign up on the form, and we will coordinate an alternate session if there’s enough interest.
• Note: Spots are limited, so please sign up early to secure your spot. Family members are welcome to join; include them in your sign-up.

b. Monticello Help Center - TBD

• Located near the Monticello office.

c. Quiet Oaks Hospice Center - Date and Time to be determined by the office.

• Located near the Waite Park office.

d. Boys and Girls Club Twin Cities Futures Fair – Feb 19th 10:30-3:30 (shifts available)

• Jerry Gamble Club (2410 N Irving Ave, Mpls) Volunteer Opportunities – set up for lunch, serve food, tear down food, help wayfinding, give out stickers to session participants, etc.

2. On-Site Options **Making Fleece Tie Blankets (or organize your own charity of your choice activity in the office) **

• The CG Charity Committee will provide supplies to assemble fleece tie blankets.
• Kits will be available that day in Eden Prairie, Monticello, and Waite Park.
• Gather your team and schedule an assembly time at your office. Or work alone!

3. Remote Option: A Charity or Cause of Your Choice

• We encourage you to give back in a way that’s meaningful to you.
• If you would like to make a fleece tie blanket remotely, the kits will be available to pick up by January 13, in the Eden Prairie , Monticello and the Waite Park offices. You can purchase your own supplies and expense them.
• For suggestions for at-home projects or other local charity ideas, check out the curated list on the Knowledge Center here.

Action Item Please be sure to select your MLK Jr. Day of Service option here no later than the end of the day on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This early notice is to help with your planning. Take your time and fill out the form when ready. Please fill out the form even if you are participating in EPIC training and not volunteering that day. More information about these events will be shared in early January. We look forward to giving back together this MLK Jr. Day!

FAQs What should I do before and after my volunteering shift?

• Your chosen activity may only take a few hours. You can choose additional service activities on your own or take time to read and educate yourself on MLK’s history.

What if my kids have the day off from school?

• Include them! Remote options like card/letter writing or assembling care packs are great family-friendly activities

Do I have to volunteer?

• We strongly encourage everyone to participate in acts of service. However, if you’re unable to volunteer, you may choose to work on this day.

What if I’m scheduled for EPIC training that day?

• Employees that are participating in EPIC training on January 20th can utilize a floating Day of Service on another date. Those employees will see a bank of 8 volunteer hours in Paylocity, which will expire at the end of 2025. We’ll also explore organizing smaller volunteer groups on alternative days.

Questions? Reach out to the CG Charity Committee:

• Cal Simmons
• Mady Sheets
• Amanda Vagle
• Brandon Boelter
• Ashton Sabatino
• Alyssa Blake
• Derek Heaton
• Matt Warren

Calling all those brave and/or adventurous soles that want to make a difference in 2025?  

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‍ Add doing the Polar Plunge to your bucket list and join me along with several of your co-workers in making a MN Winter splash for Special Olympics!!!!!

‍  I will be plunging again this year and would love to have other brave souls join me.  Last year, with the help of Christensen Group employee match, the team of 28 plungers raised over $17,000! Let’s work to exceed that this year!!  Who’s in (literally?!))) Let’s make an even bigger splash again this year!! 😊

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All offices are welcome to join us. If you want to be part of the fun and it more convenient or are more comfortable doing a virtual that is fine as well. Our very own Sarina Khariwala has experience in this or the Minnesota Polar Plunge website has some suggestions but bring out your creative side!!!  

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When: Saturday March 8,2025

‍ Where: Eden Prairie, MN Time: _Plunging begins at noon- our exact plunge time is not determined until Friday evening before- a group text will be sent to the team members announcing the time as well as an email to the staff if anyone is interested in coming out and cheering us on). _ Pre-Plunge & Post Plunge Parties – Time / Place: TBD – more info will be sent to those brave enough to join us.

Team Name: _08.MSS Marshall Area Special Olympics Ross's Rebels _ Ross Abraham is a Special Olympic Athlete and has been a team member for 12 years. He enthusiasm for this event is contagious! 😊

Team Theme: Paul Buyan and Babe (Thanks Lillian for coming up with the theme – I love it!!!).  Dress in Buffalo Plaid flannel, black stocking caps and suspenders (if you have them) (and maybe accessorize with a fake ax?..?)

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For those who have joined the team in the past, and/or anyone who has expressed interest in either joining the team or donating, now is the opportunity to sign up to join us or to donate to this wonderful cause!

(It would be great to have some producers and management team join in on the fun this year!!) **Spouses and family members are also welcome and encouraged! **ALL are welcome.

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You can sign up to join the team or donate using the link below. We can also use support the day of the plunge at Lake Riley in Eden Prairie as it does take encouragement to make that plunge into those icy waters!!! (NOTE: Each Plunger is required to raise a minimum of $75 to participate, and your participation is one important piece of an inclusive movement that raises millions of dollars every single year for Special Olympics Minnesota! There are other added incentives for different levels of monies raised. (I challenge you to go big on your Fundraising goal – go for $500! It is very doable, and it is for a great cause.)

https://reg.plungemn.org/team/08mssmarshallareaspecialolympicsrosssrebels     AFFINITY PLUS BONUS DONATION for the 1st 2000 Plungers to use the code so act now!:  USE PROMO CODE: AFFINITYPLUS Because of our generous friends at Affinity Plus, when you register for the 2025 Plunge (virtual or in person) and use the promo code AFFINITYPLUS, you’ll receive a $50 donation toward your fundraising efforts! This campaign is limited to the first 2000 Plungers who use the code. (This must be done at time of registration). Here’s what you need to do to earn an automatic $50 donation: Register for a virtual or in-person Plunge and enter the code AFFINITYPLUS in the promo code field during Step 3. Don’t forget to click the APPLY button after entering the code! (Note: This must be done at time of registration and cannot be added afterwards). Special Olympics MN makes a positive impact on athletes with intellectual disabilities that will last a lifetime and all funds raised goes towards programming and events for more than 8,000 athletes statewide.  

Through sports, SOMN athletes celebrate their abilities, not their disabilities. Their world opens with acceptance and understanding. They become more confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They make new friends, joining the most inclusive community on the planet- a global community that's growing every day.  

Our agency currently writes several accounts that specialize in providing care for the developmentally disabled and the compassion that the owners have for the work/service they provide is impressive.

  So, while we do not provide the care that they do, we can offer support to empowering these individuals to celebrate who they are by participating in the annual Polar Plunge event and raise funds for a group that also shares that same compassion/enthusiasm for those with disabilities.  

It feels good to be able to be part of it.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me and I will be more than enthusiastic to share the details and excitement.

~ Julie Kack 

As we wrap up another incredible Season of Giving, we want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable impact we’ve made together. Your generosity and dedication embody the true spirit of giving, and the results have been extraordinary.

Here’s a recap of our collective achievements:

Eden Prairie Office Cal Simmons spearheaded contributions to the Christmas with Dignity event at Hospitality House. On December 12, Cal delivered $1,500 in donations, including a $750 matching gift from CG.

The volunteers’ gratitude was overwhelming, as reflected in their heartfelt message: "Because of your gift, we served 414 families and 1,249 children. The smiles on the parents' faces as they left Hospitality House were unforgettable. Thank you for making this possible." ** ** Waite Park Office The Waite Park team partnered with Bri’s Lodge to support six grieving families, providing essential items such as food, gas, personal care products, and toys. The team raised $750, which was matched by CG, resulting in a $1,500 gift.

This meaningful partnership honors the memory of BriAnna Kruzel and continues to bring hope and healing to families navigating loss.

Monticello Office The Monticello office worked with Monticello High School’s Giving Tree to bring joy to over 30 students this holiday season. Contributions included winter coats, shoes, hats, and wish-list items, ensuring these students felt supported and valued before their break.

Kansas Office The Kansas team raised $600 for Drumm Farm and matched it, totaling $1,150 in gifts. This included Adidas duffle bags for their Compass youth program and other wish-list items curated by young adults in the program. A smaller office with a big heart—great work, Team KC! ** ** New Ulm Office Through the holiday gift drive for Ivy House, the New Ulm office donated a highchair, pack-and-play, and sheets. Ivy House, a 24/7 crisis nursery, provides care for children ages 0–10 whose families are experiencing crisis or stress. Their gratitude reflects the meaningful difference this partnership makes for families in need. ** ** Austin/San Antonio Office The Austin/San Antonio team has partnered with the Austin Diaper Bank, which serves over 35,000 Central Texas families each month by providing diapers and wipes. The team is currently combining donations and securing a matching gift to amplify the impact of their contributions.

Looking ahead, they hope to volunteer as a team for this cause next year. If you’d like to contribute, please donate using this link and submit to the CG Charity Committee for a match. Thank you for your generosity, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to our communities. Together, we’ve made an extraordinary difference.