Plus Relocation is thrilled to announce they have raised more than $50,000 for Children International’s HOPE Scholarship program, which will help youth caught in the cycle of poverty pursue higher education, build a career and break the cycle.
The funds were raised during the “50-to-go Challenge” — a three-month fundraising campaign that put a bow on Plus’ 50th anniversary in 2018. The challenge called on Plus’ employees, clients, partners and industry friends to rally together for $25,000 in donations, with Plus promising a $25,000 match to get to $50,000 total if the goal was met.
“I’m so proud of the entire Plus community for coming together to meet this goal,” Plus CEO Susan (Schneider) Benevides said. “It really shows what we’re capable of when we work as one, and the money is going to do a whole lot of good for kids in need. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 50 years.”
In addition to matching the $25,000 in donations, Plus announced a special wrinkle as part of the 50-to-go Challenge — if the goal was met, Benevides pledged to personally participate in Polar Plunge 2019. The annual event raises money for Special Olympics programs across Minnesota through icy leaps into local lakes.
“I can’t say that I’m super excited to jump into freezing cold water, but I’ve been preparing myself,” Benevides said of her March plunge into Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. “All of this is for a good cause, so I’m game. Plus, I’m a lifelong Minnesotan — a little cold never slowed me down.”
The more than $50,000 raised through the 50-to-go Challenge will support 200 HOPE scholars. The HOPE Scholarship program provides youth in secondary school, vocational training and higher education with tuition, uniforms, books and transportation costs — expenses their families are unable to cover due to competing basic needs at home.
“Children International is so very grateful to have the support of Plus Relocation and its employees,” said John Clause, Vice President of Philanthropy. “Our mission is to connect people around the world in the fight to end poverty, and generous community support allows us to fulfill that mission. Partnering with a caring company like Plus, we can continue to help children and around the world find a path out of poverty through education, empowerment, and ultimately, employment. On behalf of everyone at Children International, thank you. Your pledge to the world’s vulnerable children is truly the gift of ‘movement’ in many ways for many children and families.”
For more about the HOPE Scholarship program and the rest of Children International’s vital work helping kids in need, visit www.children.org. For more on Polar Plunge 2019, visit www.plungemn.org.