CHARITY CHALLENGE RETURNS TO HELP LOCAL FOOD SHELVES

November 20, 2018

Skalicky Foundation to Match up to $100,000

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Charity Challenge has become a tradition for the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the St. Cloud metro area. Since the first Challenge in 2001, which raised $10,185; to last year’s record setting $468,673 challenge, this event has surpassed a total of $3.1 million raised for local food shelves.

This tradition has become a passion for Norman C. Skalicky, the chairman and CEO of Stearns Bank. “To see the generosity of our community is just incredible,” Skalicky said. “Stearns Bank has always been passionate about giving back to our community, and it is just great to see the response from our community during this season. We are able to help more families than ever!”

The Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation announced today that the Charity Challenge match for local food shelves will take place again this year – matching every dollar donated to three area food shelves (up to $100,000) this Holiday season. Donations for the Charity Challenge need to be received by December 31, 2018. Contributions should be sent directly to any of the following eligible food shelves to the attention of “Food Shelf Charity Challenge:”

  • Catholic Charities, PO Box 2390, St. Cloud, MN 56302 or online at www.ccstcloud.org
  • St. Cloud Salvation Army, 400 U.S. Highway 10 S, St. Cloud, MN 56304
  • St. Joseph Community Food Shelf, PO Box 384, St. Joseph, MN 56374

“We are pleased that the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation continues to offer this Charity Challenge to help our local food shelves. During this season of giving, we are grateful for all of the generous donors in Central Minnesota who continue to make a difference in our community," said Greta Stark-Kraker, Director of Donor Relations at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

Our Recent News

How Catholic Charities Helped Kenneth

By Brittany Hoversten • June 17, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. That is exactly what happened for Kenneth, a 30-year-old father who found himself facing several impossible choices. With overdue bills, rent payments, and the pressure of providing for his children, Kenneth was struggling to keep his family afloat. On top of that, he needed his children’s birth certificates to register them for Catholic Charities' Toys for Tots program, so they could have presents for Christmas.  Though Kenneth had never used the Food Shelf before, he was introduced to our services by a Financial Assistance Program Coordinator, who showed him how utilizing the Food Shelf could ease some of the financial strain. The ability to save money on groceries would allow him to prioritize other needs, like utilities and rent. Our Financial Assistance program assisted Kenneth with obtaining his children's birth certificates and provided him with a cart full of groceries for his family. Additionally, we provided Kenneth with a list of community resources to help him continue moving forward. This assistance gave Kenneth and his family a renewed sense of hope. With a little help from our team, Kenneth felt a weight lift as he began to “dig out” of his financial struggles. The ability to provide his children with meals, secure the birth certificates needed for their Christmas gifts, and access other helpful resources helped him regain some stability during a tough time. Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond providing food. It is about offering hope, relief, and the tools needed to help individuals and families navigate challenges. Whether it is a grocery cart full of food, helping with essential paperwork, or connecting people to the broader network of resources, every bit of support contributes to making our neighbors’ lives better. We are honored to provide this kind of support to families like Kenneth’s. It is the generosity of our community that allows us to continue serving those who need it most. Whether through food donations, financial gifts, or volunteer time, the contributions we receive leave a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.

Alexander & Sherise

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A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.