Members of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA), a trade association representing Minnesota’s iron mining industry and its supporters, raised $3,000 to donate to local food shelves this month during the association’s annual Funspiel curling event.

Twenty-eight local businesses contributed $100 or more to this fundraiser, including: American Bank of the North, AmCast, Applied Industrial Technologies, ArcelorMittal Minorca Mine, Benetech, Compudyne, Dealers Transmission Exchange, GPM Inc., Hallett Dock Company, H-E Parts International, Industrial Lubricant Co., Jamar, Jasper Engineering,  KGM Contractors, LVC Companies, Mielke Electric Works, Nelson Williams Linings, Northshore Mining, Petro Choice, Premium Plant Services, TASSCO,  TKDA, TUFCO Inc., Tricon Wear Solutions, United taconite, Viant Crane, Vick’s Crane & Heavy Haul, and WESCO Distribution.

A food drive was also held at the curling event. In total, IMA members were able to donate $1,500 as well as a box of food and two cases of water to both the Hibbing and Virginia Salvation Armies.  These entities were selected in an effort to best serve the largest number of Iron Range residents, as together both food shelves have a large coverage area.

This is the fifth year the IMA Funspiel has collected money for local food shelves – and the third it’s included a food drive.

“We are happy to partner with local businesses and IMA members to continue to provide support for our communities and those facing difficult times,” said IMA President Kelsey Johnson