Kids & Family

Celebrate Differences Receives $33,000 Donation

The Oswego-based not-for-profit will use the money to start an adult transition program for individuals with disabilities.

This is a Christmas present Oswego-based Celebrate Differences will not ever forget.

The organization, which supports individuals with disabilities and their families and raises awareness for disabilities, received a $33,000 check from Thrivent Financial earlier this month.

Vic Hildebrand, volunteer of the year and a financial consultant for Thrivent Financial, presented the check from the Thrivent 2013 Field Conference Service Project of the Lutheran Community Foundation.

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“I never dreamed I would be accepting a $33,000 check," said Rebecca Christiansen, Founder and Executive Director of Celebrate Differences.

“This donation is amazing but it is partnerships with organizations like Thrivent and inspiring individuals like Vic that truly make Celebrate Differences rich.”

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Christiansen said the funds will be used to start a “much needed” adult transition program for the organization’s individuals with disabilities.

She hopes one day in the near future to be able to open a second location for Celebrate Differences as well.

"On behalf of our Celebrate Differences board and families, we thank Thrivent Financial, Vic Hildebrand and Karen DePaul for helping us to keep our doors open and to continue to grow our dream," said Christiansen. 

"2014 is definitely going to be an exciting year full of endless possibilities for Celebrate Differences." 


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