Thanks to the leadership of Lynn Otis in fundraising and Bill Jackson in grant writing, our club—partnering with several other Rotary clubs—secured a Rotary District Grant of $18,750 to purchase 721 winter coats. These coats will be distributed at the 3,000 Acts of Kindness event on December 8, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Hosted annually by Danielle Igbanugo's non-profit Coated in Love, this event provides guests experiencing homelessness with warm clothing, haircuts, personal care items, and connections to over 80 social service agencies. Last year, the event fell short of meeting the coat needs of all guests; this year, Rotary’s grant ensures that everyone will leave with the most essential item for surviving a Minnesota winter—a quality winter coat.
Our $5,000 club contribution multiplied nearly fourfold through this grant—an inspiring example of how Rotary amplifies generosity into greater community impact.
Mark your calendar! Register to volunteer on December 7 to help with setup at the Convention Center, https://colrc.org/event/3000-acts-of-kindness-set-up/. It’s a hands-on chance to bring warmth and hope to our neighbors in need.