More than $151,000 Raised During Bremer Banks’ Annual “Taking Action Against Hunger” Campaign

During our fifth annual “Taking Action Against Hunger” Campaign, Bremer Bank raised $151,133 for Second Harvest Heartland, Feeding America and local foodshelves. This total included a $100,000 challenge gift from Bremer Bank itself. Donations were made during the month of June in a combination of online giving and through employee and client events. In five years, the campaign has raised more than $650,000 for Second Harvest Heartland.

“It takes a culture of caring and innovation to have this sort of impact,” said Rob Zeaske, executive director of Second Harvest Heartland. “Bremer is a real cornerstone in the effort to relieve hunger among nearly a half-million neighbors… they are truly “Taking Action” on behalf of struggling families, and vulnerable seniors.”

In addition to monetary donations, Bremer employees also donated their time and energy in the form of volunteerism by stocking local food shelves and preparing food packages in various communities.

“Our employees are committed and passionate about ending hunger in our communities,” said Pat Donovan, president and chief executive officer of Bremer Financial Corporation. “This campaign has really become something that our employees and clients look forward to each year. We are always amazed at the generosity and spirit of staff, clients and other members of our Bremer Bank communities that help us in our effort to raise money to end hunger each June.”

About Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is the Upper Midwest's largest hunger-relief organization, with a mission of ending hunger through community partnerships. A record 51 million pounds of grocery products were distributed in 2009 to hungry seniors, families and children through nearly 1,000 non-profit member agencies and programs, including food shelves, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, faith-based organizations, and children's after-school programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For each $50 donated, Second Harvest Heartland can distribute more than 180 meals to those in need. For more information, visit http://www.2harvest.org/ or call 651.484.5117.

Bremer Financial Corporation
Bremer Financial Corporation is a privately-held, $7.8 billion regional financial services company jointly owned by its employees and the Otto Bremer Foundation (OBF). Founded in 1943 by Otto Bremer, the company is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides a comprehensive range of banking, investment, trust and insurance services to locations in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. OBF uses its share of dividends to distribute charitable grants to Bremer bank communities. In 2009, more than $25 million in charitable donations were given across the Bremer footprint and employees donated more than 160,000 volunteer hours to their communities.