Happy Independence Day from all of us here at Foundation 191!

We’ve completed another successful Dan Patch Days! Saturday morning we checked runners in for the 5k, Saturday evening you could find us selling tickets, and Sunday afternoon we were lined up for the parade. See you next year!

Gordman’s, a new retail store in Burnsville, celebrated its grand opening by donating $2,500 to Foundation 191, a non-profit organization which enhances, enriches and expands educational opportunities in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

“One of the core values of our organization is community service, and we focus much of our attention on schools,” said Jason Baker, executive store manager. “Every time we enter a new area, we partner up with the local school district.”

Owner Jeff Gordman presented the check to Stephen Fiebiger, president of Foundation 191, during a ceremony on April 1 at the store located in Burnsville Center. In addition, customers have the option of donating $1 to schools when they make purchases at the store.

“The generous donation by Gordman’s will help Foundation 191 provide opportunities to students in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District they would not otherwise have available,” said Fiebiger. “It’s great that Gordman’s has invested in the community by investing in our kids’ education. We’re happy to have them as a partner and look forward to a long-term relationship.”

Baker said another aspect of the partnership is a program that they call Adopt-a-School. Through the program, Gordman’s employees volunteer time at a local elementary school. Sky Oaks Elementary School in Burnsville was selected and Baker said that store employees may begin volunteering there soon.

Gordman’s, a home fashions and apparel retailer based out of Omaha, NE, is opening its first stories in the Twin Cities.

An anonymous donation of $15,297 to Foundation 191 is being used at Vista View Elementary School in Burnsville. The donation increased another $5,000 through a matching grant program from General Mills. “It was directed for use at Vista View Elementary School. The intent was for it to be used on long-lasting purchases so it can be used over and over,” said Foundation 191 President Steve Fiebiger.

Foundation 191 is a not-for-profit organization that works to expand educational opportunities in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District.

Vista View Principal Susan Risius told the School Board at the April 2 meeting the money was used to buy technology pieces for the school and each department was given some money to buy books or other supplies. Specifically, one 77-inch SmartBoard, one 63-inch SmartBoard, three LCD projectors and 220 sets of books were bought. “The purchases are affecting the whole school at Vista View,” Fiebiger said. “It has a broad and long-range impact.”