Virginia Community Foundation

Lou's ClosetFunds from Lou's Closet are designated to students enrolled at ISD 2909. The purpose of these funds are used to promote the attendance and achievement of low-income students or for students who are experiencing a crisis. The clothes closets throughout the schools provide quality, functional items of seasonally appropriate school clothing to students whose families or guardians lack the resources to provide such items. Funds are also used to provide corrective eyewear and other necessary items for eligible students to improve and encourage their educational outcomes.Chamber Music ProgramNorthern Lights Music Festival requested support for its many activities in the City of Virginia, including presentation of professional concerts; maintenance of historic B'nai Abraham Cultural Center; children's concerts at the Virginia library; lectures at B'nai Abraham; and utilization of the dorms at Mesabi Range College. Ultimately the funds were used to pay for a performance by Mikhail Voskressensky, and a lecture by Hibbing historian, Mary Palcich, Keyes.Performance Shelter at Market SquareMusic brings folks together and having music at the farmers' market creates an atmosphere of community and celebration. The benches and performance shelter also serve as a needed rest for elders who need a seat during their market shopping.Downtown Arts Virginia Lyric CenterWe were able to keep our art supply cupboards full with paints, brushes, paper, canvas board, and more, for the entirety of our Open Art Club for the summer with supplies remaining to sustain us to stay open for the next couple of seasons. Providing a safe space to create art at no cost is crucial for the community. Having this opportunity available without turning anyone away has helped us achieve this goal and providing our visitors with supplies keeps them coming back. Olcott Park Entrance ProjectA historically inspired entrance was constructed on the northern side of the park. In addition to making the entrance safe, widening it allows traffic to safely enter and exit the park.Goodman Farewell ConcertThe Goodman Farewell Committee planned one final concert at the historic Goodman Auditorium, before it was decommissioned. The committee purchased the final notation of The Sleeping Giant, composed by Dr. Renee Clausen for its world premiere at Goodman Auditorium. The performance featured members of vocal groups: The Choral Aires, Range of Voices, The Sectionals, Voices of Reason, Virginia High School Choir, and various alumni vocalists; accompanied by the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra and Rock Ridge High School Orchestra.Spay/Neuter ProjectThe grant was used for the spay/neuter program which states all animals must be spayed or neutered before they can be adopted out.Rock Ridge and Wolverine Pride FundsThese two funds, dedicated to Rock Ridge Public School, provide valuable resources that we then leverage to make the experiences for our students the best they can possibly be each year.Friends of the Library Circulation Desk ReplacementErgonomically correct workstations were needed for the staff at the "front desk", in order to comply with OSHA standards. This space also allowed a seated option for handicapped and/or elderly patrons to use while completing forms with front desk staff. Lunch Buddies Mentoring Program United WayThe goal of Lunch Buddies is to provide support for at-risk children in United Way of Northeaster Minnesota's service territory by way of connecting trained, caring adult mentors with children, helping to improve social-emotional skills and improve their overall mental wellbeing. We achieved our goal of being in 10 local schools. Lunch Buddies helps students to feel cared for by an additional supportive adult. The program helps students gain and improve their social and emotional skills, improve their self-esteem, and become overall happier kids.