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Health & Fitness

20 Years of Cheer

Minnesota Governor Dayton proclaimed Saturday, March 29 as "Cheerful Givers Day" throughout Minnesota to honor the work of local nonprofit, Cheerful Givers, celebrating 20 years of service.  The Great Minnesota Birthday Party was held at the Mall of America where emcee, Brian Turner of K-TWIN Radio, invited guests to fill birthday bags, enter prize drawings and enjoy all of the entertainment and fun kid activities. 

Special guests included Rebecca Yey, Miss Minnesota 2013, who shared her talent of playing the violin, Corrina Swiggum, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Matt Blair, former Minnesota Viking, and Nickelodeon Universe characters, Dora and Sponge Bob. A traditional Mexican folklore dance was performed by first and second graders from The Partnership Academy, and the event ended with volunteers and special guests singing Happy Birthday to kids everywhere who don't get to celebrate their birthday.

This event would not have been possible without the help and support of many great volunteers as well as sponsors and donors including:  Thrivent Financial-Stonebridge Group, Think Bank, Claudia & Michael Cuddyer, Joe & Maddie Mauer, Thomson Reuters, Ken & Priscilla Cates, Bremer Bank, Dakota Electric, Minnesota Vikings, Thrivent Financial – Central Minneapolis and Southern Dakota/Scott County Chapters.

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During the last 20 years, Cheerful Givers has provided more than 775,000 less fortunate children with toy-filled birthday gift bags. For more information or to make a donation visit www.cheerfulgivers.org

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