Jul. 22—GRAND FORKS — St. Anne's Living Center in Grand Forks is launching a matching gift campaign to raise $23,000 from individual donors to support its mission.

Local organizations and businesses already have pledged $23,000 to match gifts by individual donors, according to Sister Christina Neumann, communications assistant.

This new initiative is set to occur Tuesday, July 26, the feast day of the home's patron saint, Anne, the grandmother of Jesus Christ, Neumann said. To qualify, donations will be made online July 26 or checks dated July 26.

Businesses that have pledged support for the campaign include Alerus Financial; All Seasons Garden Center; Ashley Furniture; Dawson Insurance; Dempsey Trucking and Trailer Service; Economy Plumbing; HB Sound and Light; Liberty Business Systems; Lunseth Plumbing and Heating; Morgan Printing; and Ruffing It Doggie Daycare, Overnight Center and Grooming.

This is the first campaign of its kind for the facility, Neumann said.

The funds will be used to continue to carry out the mission of St. Anne's Living Center, which is to provide a safe, caring, family-type atmosphere for residents who are elderly and/or disabled. Right now, nearly 60 residents, ranging in age from late 30s to 99, live at the Center, which has room for as many as eight more.

The campaign is a good means for donors to increase the impact of their monetary gifts.

"Private citizens, with limited resources, can use this as an opportunity to 'double their dollar' in support of a mission they care about," Neumann said. "If all goes as hoped, St. Anne's will reach its net goal of $46,000 in this campaign, with $23,000 in private donations."

The campaign coincides with an annual week of festivities, "St. Anne's Week," when special activities and dress-up days are planned for residents and staff members. On Tuesday, July 26, the Center will host a "St. Anne's Party," in honor of the Virgin Mary's mother.

Through this matching gift campaign, money raised will support operating expenses, staffing, utilities and various other needs at the Center, Neumann said.

"At a time of rising food, fuel and energy costs, support from individuals and corporations will be a huge step in helping St. Anne's staff continue their service to this vulnerable population," she said.

Like many other organizations, St. Anne's has had some difficulty hiring new employees, "especially in the last year and a half," Neumann said. "It's not easy."

Also, similar to other facilities, sometimes infrastructure and systems at the Center need repair or replacement.

"Elevators break down," said Chuck Gust, business office manager. The facility must have an effective sprinkler system for fire safety, and sufficient funds to cover workmen's compensation and other insurance costs.

St. Anne's Living Center originally opened in Fargo in the mid-1940s as a home to care for sick, homeless men who were living by riding the trains from city to city, Neumann said.

Since 1945, the Sisters have been providing services to the elderly and vulnerable, she said. In 1952, they moved the home to Grand Forks at the request of the Rev. Leo Dworschak, bishop of the Fargo Diocese at the time.

Over the years, most of the residents at St. Anne's Living Center have been on government assistance programs, Neumann said. Many have no family to help contribute toward their care.

"Regardless of their background, the Sisters and staff try to provide a friendly, homelike environment for every one of them," she said.

For more information on the campaign, call Neumann at St. Anne's Living Center, (701) 746-9401 or send an email to:

contact@stannesguesthome.org

.