The Federation has received great support over the years from the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the St. Paul Foundation. This year, knowing of our need for increased donations in these tough economic times, the fund is continuing support in a unique way. They have approved a challenge grant for the purpose of expanding our base of individual unrestricted contributors for 2009.

The Katherine B. Andersen Fund will match dollar-for-dollar any new unrestricted gift from individual donors; match any increase in unrestricted donations from any donor who contributed last year; and match any unrestricted donation from anyone who has not contributed for the past two years or longer up to a maximum of $20,000 during 2009.

Wonderfully, this means any new member donation will be matched. This is a call for all of us to start talking to those we know about the Federation. Word of mouth is the best advertising.   There is a lot to talk about. The Federation not only is the voice of seniors in the state legislature, we have great programs for members and many for all seniors: our Health Plan Information Center has counselors answering questions about Medicare and supplemental health plans, our Senior Partners Care program helps individuals on limited income with the Medicare gap at little or no cost to them; the Pension Rights Project helps retirees and their spouses find pensions and recover their rightful payments, the Lawyer Referral Program, the MnSF Prescription drug discount program, our Retirement Planning Seminars and unbiased senior information through our Minnesota Senior News, Health Care Choices and Caregiving Choices all make a big difference in seniors’ lives throughout the state.

Recently we sent a letter to members asking them to take up the challenge and talk to friends, co-workers, family and neighbors to urge them to become members of the Federation and make a donation that will now be matched by the Katherine B. Andersen Fund.

To date we have had a very good response, but still have a long way to go. If each of us signs up just one member, sponsors one member, or encourages just one person to make a new donation, we will meet this challenge and in the process make a big difference in helping MnSF in these tough times. If you are a member of a group and would like to talk to them about the Federation and the challenge grant, call Lee Johnson, executive director, 651/783-5014, for more information and handouts.