Our Mission

To bring life and learning opportunities to Edina Public Schools students who are economically disadvantaged.

As a mission-aligned partner with Edina Public Schools, we are uniquely positioned to unlock  opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics for students who have financial need.

  • 2018.19 Go Report

  • 2017.18 Go Report

What’s Happening

August 2020 Executive Director, Maggie McCracken featured on MPR News with Angela Davis discussing learning support models during distance and hybrid learning. https://bit.ly/3ixtG4f

August 2020 Featured in IGNITE After School’s ‘Yes to Success’ – capturing partnerships, innovations & different ways of doing things in the COVID-19 era that are helping young people get their needs met through afterschool https://bit.ly/2S3fZyX

August 2020 Mayor Jim Hovland selected the Edina MealFund COVID-19 Response program for the 2020 Mayor’s Service to Youth Commendation (award presented to Edina Give and Go and the Edina Education Fund) https://bit.ly/2S3PMA9

December 2019 – Edina Give and Go was awarded a grant from the Frey Foundation of Minnesota in support of our work with students during summer 2020. The Frey Foundation of Minnesota is focused on strengthening the community through direct giving to organizations that promote self-sufficiency and stimulate creative change, resulting in improved quality of life for all.

August 2019– Edina Give and Go has been named one of two Edina Federated Women’s Club (EFWC) community grant recipients. The EFWC has been a pivotal partner in support of the Edina Give and Go mission. Learn more at edinafeds.org/feds-fest-2019

May 2019 – Edina Give and Go receives 2019 Mayor’s Commendation for Service Organization. An award given to an organization who has made outstanding contributions to the community at large.  https://www.edinamn.gov/1044/Mayors-Commendations 

April 2019 – Edina Noon Rotary supports Edina Give and Go for the third year in a row. This partnership focuses on music instrument fees for students across all nine Edina Public Schools.

April 2019 – Edina Morningside Rotary supports Edina Give and Go along with eleven other community organizations.

July 2018 – Edina Give and Go named ‘Best Community Organizer’ in Edina Magazine’s Best of Edina 2018. https://edinamag.com/best-edina-2018

Sept. 2017 – Edina Give and Go is featured in Edina Magazine http://edinamag.com/edina-charity-give-and-go-assists-educational-and-extra-curricular-programs

How To Help

Here at Edina Give and Go, we are focused on unlocking opportunities for students, from academics to the arts to athletics. We are a mission-aligned partner of Edina Public Schools, uniquely positioned to remove financial barriers to participation for students.

Give

The Team

Maggie McCracken

Executive Director

Maggie is passionate about propelling mission-minded organizations. She brings a broad toolbox of expertise to help turn ambitions into action. A previous Target Marketing leader, she worked for over a decade on strategic planning efforts across all of Target’s business units. Originally from Indianapolis, Maggie graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Journalism. Maggie, and her husband Rich, have two girls and live in the Edina community. Maggie joined Edina Give and Go in November of 2017.

Catalina Carrasco

Outreach and Student Granting Coordinator

Catalina is a passionate professional who has actively volunteered  in Edina Public Schools since 2017. She has a degree in Economics and International Business and has a background in international consulting, having worked with large organizations throughout Latin America. Catalina and her husband Javier have two kids in Edina Public Schools. Catalina is passionate about supporting children, working to present them with the world of opportunities and helping them choose the ones that would maximize their potential.

Sarina Khariwala

Operations Coordinator

Sarina obtained her MBA from Cleveland State University. Sarina brings experience in the integration of Accounting and Information Systems to the Edina Give and Go team. She is passionate about helping those in need and has volunteered with various organizations in the Twin Cities. In addition, she is an active volunteer in multiple capacities within the Edina School system, as well as with the Parent Communication Network (PCN). She is a highly engaged mom to three children.

The Board

Cathy Cella

Board Co- Chair

Bio
Cathy provides the Edina Give and Go Board a unique level of experience with Edina Public Schools. Cathy served on the Edina School Board for 8 years and has been actively involved in school district activities for over 25 years. In addition to her work with Give and Go, she works with 4th grade math students at Cornelia, helps coach the Valley View Mock Trial team and works with students at the high school through the Access program. In March 2016 Cathy was recognized by the Edina Community Foundation and Connecting with Kids as a recipient of a Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work with Edina youth. Cathy is the mother of 4 grown children who all attended Edina public schools and lives in Edina with her husband, John Ellingboe.

Josie Tober

Board Vice Chair

Bio

S. Michael Briggs

Treasurer

Bio
Michael Briggs believes that impactful education is the foundation and driver of a strong society; and as such, every child is entitled to an educational experience that brings out the best in them. Michael volunteers his time tutoring math and occasionally working as the Thanksgiving Day cameraman at Sharing and Caring Hands, located in Minneapolis. With a background in economics and mathematics, he has pursued a career in corporate finance within the healthcare industry, working to make the healthcare system work better for everyone.

Alex Christianson

Bio

K.C. Danzansky

Bio
K.C. first became involved with Edina Give and Go when her children entered the world of travel sports and she was struck with the fact that many families could not afford to participate. She loves that Edina Give and Go helps level the playing field for all children in our community. Originally from Washington, D.C., K.C. graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in English, and has worked at General Mills for over 20 years. She and her husband Scott are parents to two boys, Drew and Benji, who are proud students in the Edina Public School system.

Sarah Hardy

Bio
Sarah is delighted to join the Edina Give and Go board. Her strong commitment to supporting parents and families shows in her role as a Parent Educator at the Edina Early Learning Center, where she has worked since earning her M.Ed. and license in 2016. Sarah is also committed to volunteerism, having recently served three years as the Treasurer for the Morningside Woman’s Club. She is an active parent volunteer with her children’s schools, including coordinating a Junior Great Books program for several years, serving as PTO Treasurer, and planning a school-based event (or several). Sarah also joyfully taught Music Together for eight years. Sarah moved with her family to Edina in 2010. She and her husband have two girls. She adores her golden retriever, and loves to run, read, sing, listen to live music, and enjoy quiet weekends at the family cabin. Sarah Hardy holds a BA from Stanford University in Human Biology and an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota in Parent and Family Education. She is a Licensed Parent Educator.

Afira Hasan

Bio
Afira has lived in Edina with her husband and two children for 5 years and has been involved with the community in many ways. She has served as president and treasurer of the Creek Valley PTO, was a liaison for the gifted District Advisory Council, and is currently on the board for the Edina Ed Fund. She values education and believes that everyone should have the ability to succeed, regardless of their background. She earned her Optometry degree from University of Houston.

Chris Holden

Bio
Chris Holden is the Principal at Normandale Elementary French Immersion School in Edina. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College in St. Paul and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota. Prior to serving as the Principal at Normandale, Chris was principal at Cornelia Elementary in Edina, and at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School and The Technology and Language Campus in Robbinsdale, MN. His teaching experience includes teaching grades one, four and five at Normandale as well as working with the Extended French program as Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School. Chris has extensive global educational experiences as well, having studied and worked in France for several years and taught at the American School of Asuncion in Paraguay. Chris and his wife Kelly have three teenagers at St. Louis Park High School.

Kathleen MacLennan

Bio
Kathleen’s motivation for volunteering at Edina Give and Go is based on many years of involvement with the STRIVE and Access programs at Edina High School. She observed a significant population of student son the sidelines, unable to participate in the academics, arts and athletic enriching experiences. She also serves as a board member or trustee for Trinity College; Hartford, Connecticut, College Possible Twin Cities,; Twin Cities Rise and Minneapolis Foundation, Donor Advised Fund Advisory Committee. Kathleen has been honored by the Edina Community Foundation and Connecting with Kids with a Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work with Edina Youth. She obtained her B.A. from Amherst College and her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School ofLLaw.

Mary Manderfeld

Ex Officio

Bio
Mary is the Director of Equity and Enrollment for Edina Public Schools. As such, she oversees the District Achievement and Integration Plan, is the district AVID director, and oversees the Title I and II programs and budget. She has been working for the district since 1987, and has held many positions during her tenure including Physical Education Teacher, Assistant Principal of Edina High School, and various positions in district administration. Mary holds her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Coaching from the University of Minnesota. She received her master’s in Athletic Administration from St. Thomas College, and her Educational Specialist Elementary and Secondary Principal Licensure from the University of St. Thomas. Mary is the proud mother of two girls, one who has graduated and one still attending Edina Public Schools. Mary’s contribution to the Edina Give and Go Board is critical as she is the primary liaison to the Edina Public School District, helping to ensure collaboration and alignment between both organizations.

Jane Oberrender

Bio
Jane is active community volunteer who currently volunteers as a mentor in the EHS Access Program and loves working with students on post-secondary planning. Prior to Edina Give and Go, Jane served as an advisor and consultant to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, advising these organization on their strategic vision and mission, organization design and fundraising strategies. Jane is interested in assisting organizations whose missions focus on serving under-resourced youth and families in the community. In addition to her work with Give and Go, Jane currently co-chairs the Middlebury College Parents Committee and is a participant in the President’s Leadership Summit. Jane graduated from Georgetown University and remains active with Georgetown as an alumni interviewer. She and her husband have three grown sons and reside in Edina.

Stephanie Pierce

Bio
Stephanie and her husband moved their family to Edina in 2015. Since then, they have been actively engaged in discussions around equity & inclusion in the community and the Edina school district where their 3 daughters attend school. She believes that every action we take to bring the tremendous benefits we have in our community to all students is a powerful action we must take. Stephanie is originally from Chicago, IL and has worked at General Mills for over 20 years. She received her B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and MBA from Northwestern - Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Stephanie and her husband, James, are the proud parents of three daughters, Olivia, Jamie, and Kaitlyn.

Meg Rodriguez

Founder

Bio
Meg’s passion for education initiatives and community development has led her to hold several positions at various school and community organizations. Meg currently serves on the College Possible Twin Cities Board while also having previously served as Co-Chair of the Board of the Edina Education Fund. Prior to her work as a Community Volunteer, Meg worked at IBM Corporation as a Marketing Representative and Coordinator of Multi-Media Sales. Originally from Westfield, New Jersey, Meg earned a B.A in Economics and Business from Lafayette College where she still serves as an Alumni Admissions Representative. Meg and her husband, Tony, have four children and live in Edina, MN.

Nassim Rossi

Bio
Inspired by the opportunity to help enrich the educational experience of students in her community, Nassim Rossi jumped at the invitation to join the board of Edina Give & Go. She has served as the Treasurer of the Highlands PTO and coordinator of the school's Family Service Fair and Imagination Fair & Science Expo. Passionate about helping to foster a kinder more connected world, Nassim is an active volunteer in the Refugee Services program at the International Institute of Minnesota and until recently worked at Doing Good Together, a nonprofit organization empowering families to raise caring, compassionate children. Equally passionate about civic engagement, Nassim serves on the board of the League of Women Voters Edina and coordinates an internship program she created enabling high school students to experience their state government in action. Nassim has an M.S. in Neuroscience from UCLA and a Ph.D. in Art History from Columbia University. She enjoys listening to audiobooks, side-hustling on Etsy and spending time with her three daughters.

Jennifer Samuel

Secretary

Bio
Jennifer Samuel strongly believes every child deserves a good education. Previously she volunteered as a hockey coach and ESL tutor in North Minneapolis, and was the social media lead for the Beat the Odds gala. Now serves on the Morningside Neighborhood Association Steering Committee and is a host family for Edina A Better Chance. As a writer, she frequently contributes to national publications and is the author of 52 Fights.

Jessica Scherer

Bio

Kelley Siemon

Bio
Kelley grew up in Edina where she was helped by friends in the community when facing financial barriers to participation. She is thrilled to join Edina Give and Go to support their mission to do the same for kids growing up here today. Kelley works for the University of St. Thomas School of Law and lives in Edina with her two elementary-aged sons and her husband, Jeff.

Teri Velner

Bio
Teri Velner stays busy raising her four children all of whom attend Edina Public Schools. She is very active within the school district and the array of activities in which her children are involved. Teri has an extensive background in public affairs and public policy at the local, state and federal levels. Teri enjoys the outdoors with her husband and children and two dogs as much as she can. Passionate about Give and Go’s mission, Teri believes all students should have the opportunity and access to the incredible academic and enrichment experiences Edina Public Schools offers. It’s a reflection of a strong community.

Jack Ward

Bio
Jack’s interest in Edina Give and Go stems from the belief that every child should have access to quality education as well as the ability to participate in athletics and the arts. In addition to Edina Give and Go, Jack is involved with CommonBond Communities, the Midwest’s largest provider of affordable housing, as a Study Buddy tutor, and in various leadership positions. Jack is also a junior partner with Social Venture Partners, an organization that approaches philanthropy through a venture capital model. Professionally, Jack works on a team that manages finances for intergenerational families and institutions at Merrill Lynch. After graduating from Edina High School, Jack studied at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he earned a degree in economics. Jack serves on the Finance Committee for Edina Give and Go.

Julie Wohlford

Bio
Now “retired” from the agency world of advertising and marketing,” Julie puts her passion to work through myriad volunteer positions. As an advocate for educational access and excellence, she most recently assisted Edina Give and Go with development of its strategic plan and annual community fundraiser. She also has served on the board of the Edina Education Fund and chaired the Edina Public School District’s Communications Advisory Council and Normandale Elementary’s Leadership Team. Julie also has been instrumental in creating and hosting the Vintner Ball—an annual fundraiser to benefit Second Harvest Heartland. She and her husband have two boys currently enrolled in Edina Public Schools.

Andy Wolfe

Bio
Andy is presently the Platform Specialist at Push Interactive. He serves on the Frey Foundation Board as a Director. Andy graduated from EHS in 2008. Social justice has always been his passion and he wants to work to make sure that all students have the same kind of rewarding experience that he enjoyed at Edina Public Schools

Arthur Graham

Student Board Member

Bio
Arthur is a senior at Edina High School and is excited to be one of the Student Board Members for Edina Give and Go! Arthur loves the opportunity to learn and give perspective on a variety of topics within this board. He enjoys working with different people throughout the year. He is thrilled to be part of something like Edina Give and Go and looks forward to helping change students' lives for the better.

Matt Hovelsrud

Student Board Member

Bio
Matt is a junior at Edina High School. He believes that education and community support can act as an effective equalizer and provide every child the opportunity to succeed. Matt hopes that every student living in Edina grows up knowing the community believes in their potential and is willing to invest in their future. He is proud to join the Edina Give and Go Board and be part of making a direct and meaningful contribution to youth in Edina. Matt has also shown his belief in the Edina community and its citizens through other community service and student advocacy efforts such as Mosaic, Study Buddies, the public library, local elections and Edina Summer Youth Enrichment Camps. Matt hopes that Edina Give and Go’s actions can resonate throughout the entire community.

Financials

Edina Give and Go is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our work to bring life and learning opportunities to Edina Public Schools students who are economically disadvantaged would be impossible without the commitment and generous support of donors. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We are committed to stewarding these funds to make the greatest impact possible in our community. Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 47-5031672.

Edina Give and Go Financial Reports

990EZ Fiscal Year July 2017-June 2018 Public Disclosure

990EZ Fiscal Year July 2016-June 2017 Public Disclosure

Edina Give and Go 990EZ 6 30 16 Public Disclosure SIGNED