Cheerful Givers, Eagan Resource Center Plan Benefit

Two local nonprofits are in the planning stages of a benefit that will raise money for both organizations.

Cheerful Givers, which provides children with birthday gift bags, and local food shelf the Eagan Resource Center, are teaming up to offer an event. They are in the planning stages of the event, which includes looking for sponsors. The event -- called, “Zest! A Local Event of Global Cuisine Benefiting Cheerful Givers and the Eagan & Lakeville Resource Centers” -- will be hosted at next fall.

Karen Kitchel, executive director of Cheerful Givers, and Lisa Horn, executive director of the Eagan Resource Center, had wanted to partner. They are thinking big about next year's event, trying to get a local chef, TV personalities, dancing and restaurants in the mix.

"The whole purpose … is to help those in need in the community," Kitchel said.