My Blog

May 2, 2008

Local mayor takes fund raising efforts

to new heights for mental health center

Mayor Bob Nelson of Spring Lake Park was sympathetic when he read the fund-raising letter from Central Center for Family Resources (CCFFR).  The 501 ©(3) charitable group provides mental health treatment for kids and families coping with emotional and behavioral issues.  Reduced funding had forced cutbacks in their services.  However, Spring Lake Park had to give the charity the same answer every other city gave them:  We’ve had cutbacks too, and have no money to spare. 

But Mayor Nelson did offer an idea.  He had heard about how Sheldon Anderson, mayor of Wyoming, Minnesota, had raised money for a teen center by going up on its roof and staying there until the goal was reached.  To help CCFFR, Nelson offered to spend time on the roof of the SLP School District Office at 8000 Highway 65 (adjacent to Spring Lake Park High School).

Because of work commitments, he can’t promise to stay up there until a certain amount is pledged.  However, he will climb onto the roof at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, and stay up there until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19.  Dubbed the “RoofRaiser” the effort’s goal is to raise at least $20,000 for CCFFR.

While camping on the roof, Mayor Nelson will be busy using his phone and computer to contact businesses and individuals asking for their contributions.  He is inviting officials from other cities as sports and media people to join him for parts of the weekend.  Since May is National Mental Health Month, local mental health professionals will also take part.  The rooftop is very visible from Highway 65 so that passing motorists can wave and honk their support.

Those who wish to help the RoofRaiser reach its goal can visit www.ccffr.org to make a pledge or credit card donation, or send a check or money order (made out to CCFFR) to Patty Halvorson, Central Center for Family Resources, 1485 81^st Ave. NE, Spring Lake Park, MN  55432.  Contributions may also be dropped off in canisters at the CCFFR office, the Spring Lake Park School District (1415 81^st Avenue NE), or the City of Spring Lake Park offices (1301 81^st Ave. NE).  From May 16^th to 19^th, donations may be dropped off at the RoofRaiser site (8000 Highway 65).

Central Center for Family Resources was established in 1979.  It is considered to be the primary provider of children and family counseling services in the Anoka County area.  In 2007, CCFFR assisted more than 3,000 families, regardless of their ability to pay, in addressing behavioral and emotional issues.  To learn more about CCFFR programs, visit www.CCFFR.org.

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