Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley (CGB) Schools was excited to show off the new playground at its elementary school during a Sept. 21 open house, and is grateful for a $20,000 contribution from Essentia Health that went toward the purchase of new equipment, supporting a safe and active space for the district’s youngest students.
“On behalf of CGB Public Schools, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to Essentia Health for its generous contribution to the elementary playground. Partnerships with Essentia and investments like this make a real difference in the lives of our students,” said Brad Kelvington, CGB District 2888 superintendent. “A safe and welcoming environment to play in is a tremendous gift that will be enjoyed by many in the years to come. We are grateful for Essentia Health’s commitment to supporting our students, families, and rural community. Thank you for helping us create a space where our youngest children can learn, play, and thrive!”
“Essentia Health is proud to be part of the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley community, and supporting the new playground at CGB was an easy decision,” said Deb Stueve, administrator at Essentia Health-Holy Trinity Hospital. “This playground gives our youngest students a safe, fun place to move, play and grow. Healthy kids make a healthy community, and that’s what we’re here for.”
CGB recently completed its new elementary addition, bringing Pre-K through 12th grade together in one building. The playground was showcased during the late-September open house. Kassandra Grimes, a CGB parent and Essentia employee, attended the event with her children.
“When I asked what they thought of the new playground, they immediately mentioned the rock-climbing structure and spinning wheel — both of which were made possible in part by Essentia’s generous contribution,” Grimes said. “We’re grateful they have such a wonderful new playground at their school!”
Essentia Health hospitals complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years to identify and address priority health needs in their respective communities. As part of its latest CHNA, Essentia Health-Holy Trinity Hospital identified nutrition and physical activity as some of its priority areas.
Essentia’s community benefit investments are strategically aligned with identified community health priorities. By supporting projects that encourage physical activity and healthy development, Essentia helps address needs identified through the CHNA while investing in programs and resources that benefit local families.
“Supporting opportunities for children to be physically active helps promote healthy development and contributes to the overall well-being of our community,” added Stueve. “We are honored to invest in the students and families of CGB.”
Source: www.essentiahealth.org
