Submitted Photo Gathered Thursday for the presentation of a ceremonial check for $25,960 from Power of the Purse to local organizations are: left to right, Shannon Ostrom, Central Middle School; Jill Wald, Tami Bradley, Darla Miller and Jamie Hammer, Power of the Purse; Staci Kenney, Minot Area Community Foundation; Allison Auch, Full STEAM Ahead; Paulette Streitz, Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry; Jonathan Daluge, Jim Hill Middle School; and Nikki Brose, The Difference.

The Minot Area Community Foundation’s Power of the Purse Giving Circle granted $25,960 into the Minot community at its annual meeting in October. On Thursday, Power of the Purse members gathered at Central Middle School with grant recipients to present a ceremonial check.

Organizations receiving funds are Full STEAM Ahead, $1,200; Jim Hill Mystic Pantry, $8,000; Central Middle School Pantry, $5,000; Northern Pines Stables, $2,750; Central Middle School Special Ed, $510; The Difference, $1,500; and Our Lady of Grace Church, $7,000.

“We are proud to support local organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of Minot residents,” said Jason Zimmerman, president of the Minot Area Community Foundation. “The Power of the Purse Giving Circle reflects our collective commitment to creating lasting positive change in our community, and we are excited to see the direct impact these grants will have on individuals and families in need.”

Programs supported by these grant funds include the “Creating Together” acting class, middle school food pantries, Thanksgiving meals for middle school families, horse care for lesson horses, Life Skills in the Classroom, an OPUS bed for vibrational healing and the expansion of the Our Lady of Grace food pantry.

Power of the Purse Giving Circle, formed in August of 2007, has since grown and invested more $458,000 in the community. Power of the Purse focuses its efforts on programs that benefit women and children.