The Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF ) is preparing for an important fundraiser. It has added importance this year, due to the COVID-19 cancellation of the annual spring banquet and fundraiser. An online virtual silent auction will begin November 12 and continue for one week, culminating on “Give to the Max Day” on Thursday, November 19. The PACF virtual silent auction can be found at bidpal.net/pacfsilentauction. Participants in the auction can bid on many unique items and experiences. Here are just a few to be featured: Excavation Work by Scheevel & Sons, Condo Stay in Chicago, Wine Makers Tour, unique theme baskets, and much more! New items will be entered as they arrive, so check the website often.
Donations for the silent auction are being accepted at F&M Community Bank in Preston through October 31. Please contact Barb Mielke, PACF Chair, at (651) 283-1312 if you wish to donate an auction item.
“Give to the Max Day” is Minnesota’s statewide day of giving, and this will be PACF’s ninth consecutive year of participation. First State Bank of Fountain/Root River State Bank of Chatfield and F&M Community Bank will contribute matching funds. The first $1,000 donated by Fountain residents and businesses will be matched $ for $ by the First State Bank of Fountain/Root River State Bank of Chatfield. F&M Community Bank and Dan Christianson will match all donations $0.50 per $1 for both the virtual silent auction and “Give to the Max” contributions.
PACF is organized as an endowed designated fund of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. All silent auction proceeds and “Give to the Max” donations will go directly into the endowment. The endowment fund and earnings are used locally for community projects and programs. During the previous fiscal year, PACF dispersed $22,408.51 to the Preston and Fountain areas, and in the last 3 ½ years, donations have allowed the PACF to disperse a total of $74,154.51 to a variety of projects such as the stained glass artwork at the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery in Preston, the Veterans Memorial and ballpark updates in Fountain, fifth grade science experiment backpacks, life-saving equipment for Preston EMS, and many other community-affirming projects.
You may donate for “Give to the Max Day” online between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on November 19 at smifoundation.org/donations/preston-area-community-foundation.
Early and in-person donations will be accepted between now and November 19 at F&M Community Bank in Preston and First State Bank of Fountain. Your checks will be processed on November 19 to take advantage of matching incentives.