Norman C. Skalicky Foundation
The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation (NCSF) was established in 1999 by Norman C. Skalicky, CEO of Stearns Financial Services, Inc. NCSF donates to charities and has challenged the community with matching fundraising campaigns for worldwide and national disasters and local community needs.
Over $1 million has been raised by the community and matched by the NCSF since the Foundation was established. It’s one of the ways Stearns Bank and its employee-owners give back to the communities they serve. Following is a brief description of the matching challenges:
Annual Community Charity Challenge
Annual Community Charity Challenge for Central MN Food Shelves - 1999 to Present. Since the first community charity challenge in 2001, the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation has raised more than $500,000 for area food shelves including the Salvation Army, Caritas and the City of St. Joseph food shelves.”We are absolutely ecstatic about the money that has been given to our food shelf,” said Barb Corson, community services supervisor for Caritas. “We continue to serve more and more people each year so there is no doubt this money will be put to good use.”"I continue to be amazed at the generosity of this community. This is phenomenal,” said Major Alan Fones with the Salvation Army.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota - 2007
The Skalicky Foundation issued a $500,000 community challenge for the Eastside Boys & Girls Club’s building campaign, dollar for dollar., which was a success with over $500,000 raised. “Norm Skalicky’s challenge helped us accomplish so many things. We expect the challenge to renew community and corporate enthusiasm for building a new facility for the kids,” said Mark Sakry, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. “The $500,000 gift is the largest gift received from an individual in our organization’s 33-year history, and we are just overwhelmed by Norm Skalicky’s generosity,” said Sakry.
Central Minnesota Habitat For Humanity - 2007
NCSF sponsored one of the family homes with a generous $107,000 grant, and the community raised over $214,000 to fund the other two with a dollar for every two donated challenge.”We are grateful for the generous partnership with the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and for the support of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and Stearns Bank,” Dick Bitzan, Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity Board President, said. “Both of these organizations are committed to serving the community, and their generosity will ensure that three families will move into safe, stable, and affordable housing this June.”
Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - 2005
Over $236,000 was raised with the Central MN Responds campaign with NCSF matching $75,000 of the total. “The news reports continue to show us just how devastating this disaster was. I’m always impressed at the generous heart of Central Minnesotans and how we pull together at times like this to help,” Skalicky said. “Thanks to all who contributed, your donations will make a great impact to help those in need begin to rebuild their lives.”
Tsunami Relief Effort - 2005
Over $282,000 was raised for the victims in South Asia with NCSF matching $100,000 of the total. Funds were divided among Kids Against Hunger to provide hunger packs, the Fishing Boat Project of the American Refugee Committee for coastal villages in Thailand, and SOS Children’s Villages to support camps in Sri Lanka and Southern India.”The support you have given is truly amazing. The children need miracles like you, thank you for what you have provided,” Ann Derby, SOS Children’s Villages.”Thank you so much for your incredible commitment and passion to the fishing families,” Mary, Chair Board of ARC.
