The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse were the recipients of the merriest of Christmas presents in the form of a $150,000 donation from the Minnesota Power Foundation. The substantial contribution was presented to the agency at the
Dec. 7 kick-off of CASDA’s New Beginnings capital campaign.
“I believe the New Beginnings capital campaign will provide CASDA with the appropriate facility to meet the needs of women, children, and men who are survivors of abuse,” said Bethany Owen, president of Superior Water, Light & Power at the kickoff event.
“At Superior Water, Light & Power here in Superior – and at our sister company, Minnesota Power – an important part of our mission is to enhance our customers’ security, comfort and quality of life through the services we provide. I am struck again this evening by how CASDA also strives to ensure security, comfort and quality of life – but often in the most difficult and even dire circumstances.”
Before announcing the $150,000 gift, Owen thanked other corporate donors to CASDA’s capital campaign, the National Bank of Commerce and Essentia Health. She acknowledged the contributions of Lyssa Supinski, an ALLETE attorney who’s served on the CASDA Board of Directors for five years and has been board president for the past three years.
Also attending the kickoff event were Brad Oachs, Minnesota Power’s chief operating officer, and ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik, who chairs the MP Foundation.
“I have always believed that the quality of life in any community is a direct result of each member’s contribution,” Owen added. “I’m proud to work for a company that embraces community engagement as a core value and that demonstrates that commitment on a regular basis. It is not only corporate support that is needed, but it is also our personal responsibility to support our community and this project.”
Other speakers at the event included CASDA Executive Director Kelly Burger, Superior Chief of Police Chuck LaGesse and Bruce Hagen, mayor of Superior
“This donation from the Minnesota Power Foundation really helped make our event a success,” explained Burger. “Minnesota Power’s wonderful contribution was a tremendous way to give our capital campaign a great start.”