Valleyfair Cares' Impact in 2022
Melissa Ferlaak
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Valleyfair Cares is our charitable commitment to our community to bring the best day ever to those who need it most. We do this through donations, hosting inspiring events, hosting fundraisers, and volunteering in our community. We believe that together with our associates, we can make a difference in the lives of children in need and supporting organizations whose missions we believe in.
Donations
In 2022, Valleyfair donated thousands of tickets, products, and funds to hundreds of organizations to use for fundraising activities or to give their clients and partners an incredible day at the park. Sometimes, we ask YOU to support organizations we believe in through asking for your donation, as well! We also hosted fundraisers at the park for over 50 organizations.
Last season, we supported 352 charities with 2,253 tickets and experiences donated and a total contribution of $382,553 to nonprofits. These charities range from larger organizations such as Tickets for Kids and Give Kids the World to a wide variety of nonprofits serving our community.
If your organization is interested in ticket donations from Valleyfair, these requests can be submitted through DonationMatch!
HIGHLIGHTS
Events
Is there a better vacation than a day at Valleyfair? We partnered with key nonprofits throughout the year to host events for the people they serve, which included full days at the park, games, banquets, entertainment, and fun!
Valleyfair has a longstanding partnership with Vikings’ Adam and Caitlin Thielen and align strongly with the Thielen Foundation’s mission. In 2022, we hosted an event for 384 youth and their families to give them a day of fun at the park! In addition, YOU helped support their mission with a donation when you purchased tickets online! Last holiday season, we also donated experience packages to five Pathway of Hope families through the Salvation Army’s partnership with the foundation for the 2023 season.
Cedar Fair has a long history of supporting A Kid Again across all parks. This was our first year partnering with A Kid Again as they began supporting Minnesota families with children struggling with life-threatening condition. We hosted a day full of fun, food, and friendship for over 558 kids and their families.
Blood Donation Drives
Last summer, Valleyfair hosted two American Red Cross Blood Drives at our entrance. Those who donated were given free admission to the park to use anytime during the season.
Volunteerism
Associate Happiness is a key pillar for Valleyfair and Cedar Fair. Volunteering and giving back to the community are proven to increase individual's happiness and satisfaction in life. In 2022, Valleyfair organized multiple volunteer efforts with Feed My Starving Children and the Scott, Carver, and Dakota County CAP Agency.
2023 will be a spectacular year of giving back to the community. This year, Valleyfair Cares will focus on these six giving priorities:
- Children/Families in Need (Children with disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, and socioeconomically impacted)
- Shakopee/Scott County Community (Organizations that serve the Shakopee and Scott County community)
- Students/Education (Supporting our next generation of leaders)
- Environment (Causes that support the environment and the Minnesota River Valley)
- Our Heroes (Veterans, first responders, and teachers)
- Causes our Associates Believe In
You can learn more by visiting our Community page.