Opening Doors to New Opportunities on Giving Hearts Day: A Heartfelt Thank You

This year's Giving Hearts Day was nothing short of extraordinary for the Grand Forks Children's Museum! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we not only reached our goal but surpassed it, raising an astounding $93,476—far exceeding our original target of $70,000. With an estimated 225 donors, this was a record-breaking day of giving for us, and we are so very grateful.

Our small but mighty team of three staff members—Katie, Betsey, and Alyssa—worked tirelessly to make the day a success. Joining us in this effort were our dedicated board members: Jared Vigen, Kelly Quigley, Maura Tanabe, Hillary Kempenich, Dean Opp, and Alexandra Quanrud, who brought along her two adorable little girls. These girls remind us all of the future we’re building together for children in our community.

What truly stood out this year was how beautifully our community came together for the museum. Giving Hearts Day was more than just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of the shared values and collective generosity that make Grand Forks such a special place. Each donation served as a heartfelt testament that we’re surrounded by individuals who believe in the importance of building this museum in our community, creating opportunities, joy, and learning for the children in our lives. Together, we turned an ambitious goal into a stunning achievement, proving once again the strength of our shared commitment.

The funds raised will go directly toward supporting our mission of creating engaging, educational, and fun experiences for children and families in the Grand Forks area. This success wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you who donated, shared our mission, or offered words of encouragement.

Thank you for being part of this special day and for helping us make a lasting impact. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of children in our community. Our target to break ground for the museum is August… and we can't wait to share the exciting developments this funding will bring!

By Katie Mayer, Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director