Fargo VA Federal Credit Union recently participated in Giving Hearts Day on February 8, 2018. Credit union staff sold heart-shaped donuts from Sweet Rings Donuts to raise money for Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Fargo. The credit union raised $615 in less than six hours. Jana Thune, CEO of Fargo VA FCU, said that Gigi’s Playhouse was selected by staff as their “Giving Hearts” charity for the day because they know some college kids that volunteer for the organization. Thune also has a family friend that has a Down syndrome child. Last December, the Red River Chapter also made a donation to Gigi’s Playhouse with the proceeds from the Christmas Social Irish Auction.

According to the Giving Hearts Facebook page, the one-day fundraising event raised a preliminary total of $13,122,400 through 63,586 donations. Unaudited figures indicate 28,043 Giving Hearts donated. Official giving statistics and details will be released after all data is verified.

Giving Hearts Day has now raised over $54 million for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Contributions to 401 charitable causes participating in this year’s event surpassed last year’s $10.7 million raised. Giving Hearts Day is hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), Impact Foundation and the Alex Stern Family Foundation.