We are grateful for our many community partners who support us in a variety of ways. They are critical to helping us live our mission. A standout among them is The Lacek Group, which has proven itself to be the gold standard in partnerships.
For nearly two years, The Lacek Group, a loyalty, CRM, and brand marketing company based in downtown Minneapolis, has been a valued partner of Hammer & NER. Among their fundraising efforts is the “Lacek Soup Smackdown” held each November. Through this and other creative fundraising activities, 175 employees were inspired to donate over $20,000. And then Ogilvy, their parent company, joined them in matching these gifts! They also donated 18 laptops to our dedicated Direct Support Professionals for their personal use.

Volunteers (here and in photo above) get cookin’ with Cooks in the Kitchen
The Lacek Group’s employees have spent over 324 hours volunteering in every opportunity we have presented to them. Each month we see them at our East and West “Cooks in the Kitchen” programs, making delicious meals for many of our homes. Employees also “adopted” our Gramsie and Kentucky homes! Lacek employees work in groups that spend time with our individuals, where they enjoy coloring posters together, playing Jenga, getting their nails painted, and celebrating Halloween with cool themed glasses. Recently, Lacek employees made birthday cards for the people we serve, people who sometimes have no family or friends to send greetings.

Hammer & NER CEO John Estrem presented The Lacek Group with a Community Partner Award
Volunteers also beautified one of our homes by refreshing the front yard with plants, flowers, and new grass. Several Lacek employees have volunteered at our special events for two years running, including Reach for Ralph, our Annual Spring Breakfast, our All-Staff Meetings, as well as Disabilities Day at the Capitol.
In May, their Know and Grow team invited a group of Hammer & NER staff to share their insights on working with people with developmental disabilities. This demonstrates a sincere interest in becoming more knowledgeable about the needs of those we support.
We appreciate the leadership of The Lacek Group for offering employees an opportunity to volunteer with us. Together, we make a difference. Thank you to everyone at The Lacek Group for everything you do!
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