Spring Gala great success!

Thanks to all who attended or supported our Spring Gala April 23rd at the Golden Valley Country Club. It was a great evening of fun and fund raising. The gala netted $60,000 to support Kinship mentoring.

The evening included a flavorful Italian buffet, songs by the Metropolitan Boys Choir, bidding on a wide variety of auction items, and presentations from program participants. A seven minute Kinship video was premiered. Sondra Samuels, President of the Peace Foundation reinforced the need for mentoring, especially in areas like North Minneapolis where there are a disproportionate number of children from disadvantaged circumstances.

Steve Peterson, Kinship board member, served as the evening's emcee. Steve reminded all of Kinship's impact on children through mentoring. Being 100% funded though contributions a call to support the ministry was provided. Thanks to generous donors who contributed $20,000 in the form of a challenge match, which was met during the gala!

Event sponsors included the Colonnade Group of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, North West Hennepin Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Rasmus Law Firm.

Homicides down in Minneapolis

A recent StarTribune article noted that homicides were down a third from the previous year. This is great news! Kinship of Greater Minneapolis is partnering with one of the organizations cited as a possible factor in this decline, The Peace Foundation, http://www.citypeace.org/ In addition to their community outreach the Peace Foundation has also promoted volunteering on the northside, including Kinship mentoring.

When kids have a sense of hope for the future they're far less likely to join gangs, or be engage in violent and life threatening behaviors. Mentoring is one important vehicle for helping young people to envision a brighter future for themselves.

A link to the StarTribune article, "6 months in, and only 6 homicides" follows, http://www.startribune.com/local/49895387.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU.