Foundation hits $1M mark

The Blooming Prairie Education Foundation’s annual auction raised about $60,000 Saturday, bringing the organization’s total funds raised to $1 million over the 18 years.
This year’s silent auction raised about $9,000, while the live auction raised approximately $51,000.
Blooming Prairie Education Foundation President and Auction Chairperson Karen Fouarge said hitting the $1M mark means a great deal.
“It shows how they can make a big difference in one small community,” she said.
While hitting the $1 million mark is great, Fouarge said the fact that it only took 18 years makes the community’s accomplishment even more remarkable.
“Taking less than 20 years to hit a million dollars raised is pretty impressive for a small community,” said Fouarge.
All items were donated, so all funds raised go back to the education foundation and are available to the school district.
“That’s what we’ll base our budget on. Any teacher from the Blooming Prairie schools can apply for that money,” she said.
Helping provide for the Blooming Prairie students is why Fouarge said she’s passionate about being involved in the auction.
In addition to her own involvement, she was glad to see so many other community members back the school district by coming out to the silent auction and the live auction.
“It was great to see a big crowd come out and support the foundation and raise money for the students. I’m glad to see we have the community’s support,” said Fouarge. “It was everyone from the education foundations’ board, its committee, community members, donors and bidders. I’m very appreciative of everyone who helped with that.”