CHI - St. Francis

Have Fun while Supporting Your Community Hospital Make It and (Tax) Break It Harvest Fest isn't your only opportunity to support community health care! Fall is the perfect time to begin thinking about end-of-year donations to the CHI St. Francis Foundation. And thanks to the North Dakota Endowment Fund Contribution Credit, residents of North Dakota who donate to a qualified North Dakota endowment are eligible for a special tax credit. Because CHI St. Francis Foundation is a Minnesota border hospital facility that serves North Dakota residents, donations made to the CHI St. Francis Foundation by North Dakota residents also qualify for the tax credit. "Locals who invest a minimum of $5,000 as an endowment gift can receive a 40 percent North Dakota state tax credit along with a federal tax deduction," Lynnae says. "For instance, say someone gives $5,000 to us. After a federal tax deduction of $1,400 and a North Dakota state income tax credit of $2,000, your net cost is only $1,600. These savings allow you to make the most of each gift and really experience the investment firsthand." According to the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, the maximum credit is $10,000 for individuals, or $20,000 for those filing a joint return. Gifts of property or cash may receive charitable deductions, and some donations qualify donors to receive fixed income payments for life. If you are looking ahead for ways to give later, consider creating a charitable bequest as part of your will or trust. "Tax and income benefits are two reasons to give, with the ultimate reason being to celebrate local health care and what it means to community members," Lynnae says. "We look forward to helping you make a difference, one dollar at a time." To learn more about year-end giving and next steps, call the Foundation at 218-643-0410. On Friday, November 10, the Wahpeton Community Center will be transformed into a shabby chic retreat for CHI St. Francis Health Foundation's signature event, the annual Harvest Fest. The Harvest Fest will feature a delightful dinner from Simply Delicious Catering, raffles, and live and silent auctions—all to benefit workforce enhancement at CHI St. Francis Health. "Funds raised during this event will allow us to recruit new employees, provide continuing education to our current staff members, and offer scholarships and additional programs," says Lynnae Wenker, Foundation Director for CHI St. Francis Health. "A strong workforce enhances the quality of care for patients and allows us to become an employer of choice for our community," Something is available for everyone during the live and silent auctions, with dozens of items that include gift certificates, gift baskets, unique experiences, and more. If you're unable to attend the Harvest Fest, you can still support the CHI St. Francis Foundation during the silent auction; online bidding will again be available through Qtego online auction technology. "We're also really excited about our vacation raffle this year," says Lynnae, adding that the odds of winning a raffle trip are great since only 100 vacation raffle tickets will be sold at $100 each. "This year's winner will choose between a three-day trip to Nashville or Lake Tahoe, with airfare, hotel, and unique activities included." Last year's Harvest Fest attracted about 200 people and raised more than $67,000 for the Foundation. Individual tickets for the Harvest Fest are available for $50 each and can be purchased now at the front desk on the hospital's main campus. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or tickets, contact the Foundation at 218-643-0412. For more information, call 218-643-0410. Lynnae Wenker, Foundation Director 7 www.sfcare.org

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