The Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) announced today that Holidazzle, thanks to Fulton Brewery, Sociable Cider Werks and the local community, will donate $18,021 toward the creation and implementation of a new Minneapolis SafeZone Collaborative program aimed at helping develop leadership and hospitality skills in local youth.
A percentage of Fulton and Sociable Cider Werks’ sales during last year’s Holidazzle event—which took place November 27 through December 20 in Loring Park—helped make the donation and the creation of this youth development program possible. The Minneapolis SafeZone Collaborative will work with local outreach teams to select youth ranging from ages 18 to 23 years old, then hold training sessions that help instill communication skills, leadership qualities and a base of resources necessary for urban youth to flourish and succeed.
“The Minneapolis SafeZone Collaborative was a great charity partner, and we appreciated the opportunity to bring awareness to this incredible organization through Holidazzle,” said Leah Wong, Vice President of Events and Marketing, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “We’re excited to continue this partnership while working together to provide lifelong skills for youth in our community.”
The program will kick off in the fall, and those who complete the youth development program will implement their skills in seasonal staff roles at next year’s Holidazzle—including greeter positions at Holidazzle entrance points.
“Helping the youth in our community is extremely important and timely,” said Mike Maney, chair of the Minneapolis SafeZone Collaborative Advisory Committee and Senior Manager at Ryan Companies. “Especially given the broad needs and currently available resources, we believe this development program will help to fill a gap and equip participants the interpersonal and professional tools needed to be successful.”
MDC and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board will bring Holidazzle back to Loring Park in 2016 while the Nicollet Mall Project continues its construction process in Downtown Minneapolis. This year’s Holidazzle will take place Thursdays through Sundays beginning Friday, November 25 and running through Friday, December 23.
Among the features returning to Holidazzle in 2016 will be Minneapolis-centric food, beverage and merchandise vendors along with activities for all ages to enjoy. Submit your interest for participating in this year’s Holidazzle, including food and merchandise vendors, by visiting Holidazzle.com/Participate.
For more information on Holidazzle, visit Holidazzle.com or follow along on social media via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Holidazzle.
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