(KNSI) – The Community Challenge raised more than $739,000, including a $150,000 match from the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation to help local food banks fill their shelves.

The fundraiser is hosted in partnership with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, and three local charities will benefit from the money raised: Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and St. Joseph food shelves.

Greta Stark-Kraker, Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, has partnered with various organizations to host the fundraiser supporting area food shelves during the holiday season. Over the years, this fundraiser has contributed more than $7.9 million to the three food shelves.

Stark-Kraker says she’s grateful to the community for making this year’s Community Challenge a success. “For more than two decades, the Community Challenge has shown the power of collective generosity,” she said. “This year’s success is a testament to a caring community and its commitment to supporting local families. We are thankful to every donor and partner who made this possible.”

Although the Community Challenge has ended, people can still donate to their local food shelf year-round. For donation information, reach out to each food shelf directly or email cmcf@communitygiving.org.

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