MINNEAPOLIS — Adam Thielen is enhancing his effort to support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and giving a big boost to organizations that are providing critical help during the crisis.
And he's bringing several friends with him in the fight.
The Thielen Foundation, which was launched by the Vikings receiver in 2018, today announced it will donate $100,000 to help organizations that are supporting families in need, providing meals and caring for patients.
Thielen is also organizing a radiothon by partnering with KFAN and iHeart Radio-Minneapolis on April 9. Thielen plans to call in and participate on KFAN 100.3-FM's four daily programs (The Power Trip, 9 to Noon with Paul Allen, The Common Man and Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro), as well as other iHeart Radio-Minneapolis stations.
Additionally, Thielen is rounding up guests for segments throughout the day. Guests will include other Minnesota athletes, coaches, team executives and community leaders.
"This community continues to amaze us with the support we give one another," Thielen said. "Throughout this radiothon, our hope is that we can make a greater impact together during this difficult time and also provide some entertainment relief throughout the day. We are all in this together, and supporting one another is needed now more than ever."
Thielen announced the donation and radiothon during an interview with "Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen on 9 to Noon this morning.
Donations will be accepted at thielenfoundation.org/COVID from 6 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. on April 9, and all donations will be equally divided between the four organizations below and applied to their most urgent COVID-19 needs.
The recipient organizations are as follows:
The Salvation Army – The Twin Cities Salvation Army stands ready to meet the needs of people impacted by COVID-19 and has ramped up its efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus with its most important programs – food, emergency assistance and housing.
Second Harvest Heartland – Second Harvest Heartland is providing emergency food boxes so those experiencing hunger can access needed meals while reducing their risk of exposure. Second Harvest Heartland is coordinating an effort to distribute meals prepared by local restaurants through Loaves and Fishes – a free public dining program with 30 locations.
M Health Fairview – The University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview are at the forefront of the Coronavirus pandemic in research and care. The need for medical protection equipment and safety gear for patients and staff is at an all-time high, especially for those treating currently ill patients who are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Funds from Thielen Foundation will go directly to purchase N95 masks, surgical shields, gowns and other essential equipment to protect patients and frontline caregivers.
MN Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus – The Minnesota Council on Foundations and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation created this fund to support community needs as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. Funds will serve both short- and long-term needs that arise within communities, due to coronavirus and future disasters that occur within the state of Minnesota.
The commitment by Thielen and Thielen Foundation builds on an initial $25,000 donation to Second Harvest Heartland, which is helping feed students that were placed at-risk of going without food when schools were closed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
"Our first concern went to all the students who are on free or reduced lunch programs, and we wanted to make sure they would have enough food to eat," Thielen said.
About Thielen Foundation
Thielen Foundation was founded in 2018 and aims to create programs that will equip and empower kids to reach their full potential in life. For more information, please visit thielenfoundation.org.
