What a Giving Hearts Day it was!

From television and radio appearances to fun with volunteers and an outpouring of generosity, this Giving Hearts Day was truly something special!

Hearts, hope, and a whole lot of red! That’s the best way to describe Churches United on Giving Hearts Day on Thursday.

All of Churches United’s facilities – Micah’s Mission, Dorothy Day Food Pantry and Silver Linings and Bright Sky apartments – were buzzing with Giving Hearts Day energy.

The generosity started off early at Micah’s Mission, with a group of volunteers generously giving their time. Volunteers steadily trickled in throughout the day and helped with everything from serving meals to interacting with shelter guests and community members.

It was a busy day for Churches United CEO Pastor Devlyn Brooks, too, who started his day on North Dakota Today, talking about Churches United’s Mission. He then jetted over to Dakota Medical Foundation – the home of Giving Hearts Day – for radio interviews, including with KFGO’s Joel Heitkamp.

“It’s also an honor getting to spread the word – and the joy – of our mission,” Brooks said. “Especially on a day like today, where the enthusiasm and excitement are just overwhelming.”

Donations poured in throughout the day, and Churches United board members were on standby to call and thank donors for their contribution.

Churches United Development Director Stephanie Ressler was also busy on Thursday, calling donors, meeting with other area nonprofits and speaking with WDAY Radio’s Jay Thomas of The Jay Thomas Show.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who supported Churches United on this year’s Giving Hearts Day,” Ressler said. “Your generosity and kindness have played a vital role in uplifting our mission and strengthening our community. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us lift our mission and neighbors up. Together, we are making a lasting impact and building a stronger, more caring community.”

Toward the end of the evening, Churches United staff were surprised with a $10,000 Giving Hearts Day golden ticket, sponsored by the Alex Stern Family Foundation.

We’re still counting all the funds raised from Giving Hearts Day, so stay tuned for a total! Funds will be used to continue providing critical community services at all four of Churches United’s facilities.

"On Giving Hearts Day our community demonstrated to us once again that they see how the services that Churches United provides to our community are,” Brooks said. “The fact that the community has helped us raise more than $1 million these past two Giving Hearts Days shows how generous our supporters are. During our rebuilding period these past two years, thousands of donors from all throughout our region have lifted us up and helped us to establish a sound financial foundation on which we can base our future. Now we will make good on our promise to build a sustainable organization that will continue to lead in providing safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food and a path to healing for the 500-plus neighbors that we serve every single day. Our community's support allows us to dream about a bright future in which every neighbor is supported and served with dignity."