Otto Bremer Foundation Awards $120,000 to NDSCS Foundation Posted on 2/2/2012
2011 Give Kids a Smile Day
Funds will be used to upgrade College’s dental clinic technology in Wahpeton
The Otto Bremer Foundation, majority owner of Bremer Bank, recently donated $120,000 to the North Dakota State College of Science Alumni Foundation. The funds will be used to update the technology and facilities in the NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic in Wahpeton, N.D.
“Bremer’s generosity will provide a substantial amount of technology to our dental clinic,” said NDSCS President John Richman. “Donations such as these offer our students hands-on training with the most relevant technologies and also assist the college in adding great value to the classroom experience and ultimately, the state’s workforce.”
Through the combination of donation, grant and fundraising dollars, the NDSCS dental department will be able to upgrade dental chairs and technology, reach more of the community to provide general services and help an increased number of underserved children at the annual Give Kids a Smile event.
“The Otto Bremer Foundation and Bremer Bank are committed to building healthy communities in Breckenridge and Wahpeton,” said Jana Berndt, president of Bremer Bank in Breckenridge, Minn. “It’s gratifying that our owner and partner, the Otto Bremer Foundation, has offered its backing to this great organization, which provides critical services to support the overall health of our communities. These dollars would not be available without the support of our Bremer Bank clients. When clients bank with Bremer, we generate profits, a portion of which we deliver to the Foundation, which then uses those funds to make grants in communities like Wahpeton and Breckenridge.”
Bremer Financial Corporation:
Bremer Financial Corporation is a privately-held, $8 billion regional financial services company jointly owned by its employees and the Otto Bremer Foundation. Founded in 1943 by Otto Bremer, the company is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and provides a comprehensive range of banking, investment, trust and insurance services to locations in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
About the Otto Bremer Foundation:
Created in 1944, the Otto Bremer Foundation assists people in achieving full economic, civic and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. The Foundation’s work to help build and maintain vibrant communities is based on the vision and legacy of Otto Bremer, whose commitment to Bremer Bank communities and to those working to make their lives better, continues to guide the Foundation. The Otto Bremer Foundation owns the majority share of Bremer Bank, and a portion of the bank’s profits comes to the Foundation as dividends, enabling the Foundation to invest back in the bank communities in the form of grants and program-related investments. In 2010, more than $24 million in charitable donations were given across the Bremer footprint. Organizations whose beneficiaries are residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin are eligible to apply for Foundation grants, with priority given to communities served by Bremer Bank.
About NDSCS Alumni/Foundation:
The NDSCS Alumni/Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization with the mission to "Support and assist those activities that develop and strengthen the North Dakota State College of Science." The Foundation, a tax-exempt entity functioning independently of the college, has the flexibility to fund projects where state-appropriated dollars cannot be used. The Foundation office works closely with college administration in development of programs to raise funds for students, faculty and academic programs.
