Minneapolis Dancers Rally for Annunciation Healing

The Minneapolis community continues its journey of healing after the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church this past August. In a powerful display of solidarity, the annual Catholic Jamboree recently transformed into a vital fundraiser, dedicated to supporting the Annunciation community’s recovery. This year’s event raised over $6,500 for a special wellness fund, demonstrating the enduring spirit of local support.

Remembering the Tragedy: Annunciation Church Shooting

It has been nearly three months since the horrific incident at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. On August 27, a shooting claimed the lives of two children and left 21 others injured. The profound impact of this event resonated deeply across the Twin Cities, leaving many in mourning while also sparking a strong desire for community support and healing.

The Catholic Jamboree: A Showcase of Compassion

On a recent Friday night, hundreds of people gathered inside Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minnesota, for the annual Catholic Jamboree. This friendly dance showcase, typically held to raise funds for various charities, took on a new and poignant purpose this year. The decision was made to direct all proceeds toward establishing the Annunciation Wellness Fund, a direct effort to foster hope and healing within the affected community.

Maria Morrison, a senior at Totino-Grace, expressed the sentiment shared by many: "It really impacted everybody, and to hear this going towards that is just everything." This collective feeling of empathy fueled the evening’s efforts, turning a celebratory event into a powerful act of collective care.

The Annunciation Wellness Fund: Supporting Those Who Support Others

The newly established Annunciation Wellness Fund is specifically designed to support the dedicated staff of Annunciation Church and School. Following the tragedy, Annunciation Principal Matthew DeBoer, who once walked the halls of Totino-Grace as a dean, famously urged, "When you pray, move your feet." This call to action inspired tangible efforts to provide much-needed support.

Kristen Gagnon, Totino-Grace Dance Coach, highlighted the fund’s practical application, explaining that it would "give them some time away, whether that is in massages or dance class or yoga, any sort of wellness to help bring [them] calm." The goal is to offer restorative opportunities to the staff who are tirelessly working to support the students and broader church community through this difficult period.

By the end of the evening, the event successfully raised over $6,500 for this vital wellness fund, a testament to the community’s generosity and unwavering commitment to standing with Annunciation Church.

FAQs About the Annunciation Fundraiser

• What was the tragic incident at Annunciation Catholic Church?
  On August 27, a shooting occurred at the church in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 21 others.
• What is the Catholic Jamboree?
  An annual friendly dance showcase, typically held to raise money for various charities. This year, it focused on supporting the Annunciation community.
• How did this year’s Jamboree support Annunciation Church?
  The event was specifically dedicated to raising funds for the Annunciation Wellness Fund, aimed at fostering hope and healing within the church community.
• What is the Annunciation Wellness Fund for?
  It provides wellness resources and support, such as massages, dance classes, or yoga, specifically for the dedicated staff of Annunciation Church and School.
• How much money was raised by the fundraiser?
  Over $6,500 was successfully raised for the Annunciation Wellness Fund at the Totino-Grace High School event.

The outpouring of support from the broader Minneapolis community through events like the Catholic Jamboree underscores the strength of local bonds and the enduring commitment to healing together in times of adversity. This collective effort provides a beacon of hope for the Annunciation community as they continue their path to recovery.

Minneapolis Funds Annunciation Healing