2022 Avivo Night of Champions raises more than $100,000

This year’s Avivo Night of Champions raised more than $100,000, thanks to 200 generous guests! Funds raised will be used to ensure Avivo can provide everyone with the chance to live well and work well.

Sean Sherman, founder and CEO chef of The Sioux Chef, shared his story of creativity and achievement. We heard the inspiring music of Harley Wood and George Mauer, and KARE 11’s Kiya Edwards emceed this year’s annual celebration and fundraising event which recognized community champions making a difference in the lives of the people Avivo serves.

Attendees also heard inspiring words from Valerie, an inspiring Avivo success story. Valerie shared her personal story of her recovery and employment, which were assisted by participating in Avivo’s services. Valerie is now celebrating five years of employment after graduating Avivo’s career education programs.

The following Avivo Champion Award recipients were honored for their significant involvement in Avivo’s programs, as well as for the support they give to help individuals and families succeed:

Jim Eaton and Colonial Church were honored as Volunteer Champions for their partnership with Avivo and support of Avivo Village, which included a significant major gift, donations of necessities to support Avivo Village residents, volunteering and more.

The Native American Community Clinic (NACC) was honored as Partner Champion for their commitment to providing medical supplies to Avivo program participants and staff, guidance for staff surrounding Native American culture and treatment, and more.

The Kingdom Builders, Plekkenpol Builders, and John Kraemer & Sons Custom Builders were honored as Corporate Champions for stepping up to take on the enormous task of gutting and rebuilding six apartment homes in our transitional recovery housing.

An Avivo Village Team Champion Award was shared at this year’s event to honor the many people, organizations, and government entities who helped make Avivo Village possible as part of our special Community Champions award.

Avivo Night of Champions wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our event sponsors: Greiner, RSM, AWH Architects, CenterPoint Energy, Konik, Nothing Bundt Cakes – Minnetonka, Parsons Electric, Qualifacts + Credible, Ron Zweber and Peter Scott, and UCare.

Our next fun, fundraising event is Mission + Mingle, set for Wednesday, May 25, at the Walker Art Center. We hope to see you there!