By Bob Kovell
In 1996, retired banker David Noack learned of a family who needed a refrigerator to store medicine for their child who had a serious illness. David generously paid for the fridge, but the experience sparked an idea, “What if we created a group of people who support other people in need of one-time assistance?” He connected with Dave Marquardt and a few friends, and together they began helping others who were about to “fall through the cracks.”
That first year, they funded about 10 cases from their own pockets. Realizing the need for a formal structure, they met with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. From there, the Good Samaritan Fund was born. Its mission remains unchanged: to serve one-time emergency needs for individuals in our area.
I first got involved with the Good Samaritan Fund because I saw how a small act of generosity could change a person’s life. As a longtime resident of Central Minnesota, I’ve always believed that when our neighbor struggles, we all have a responsibility to respond. What keeps me here today — 17 years later — is the quiet power of this work. We don’t make headlines, but we make a difference. Whether it’s helping a family escape domestic violence or keeping someone employed with a car repair, we’re accompanying our neighbors in their moments of need. That’s what being a Good Samaritan is all about.
WHY WE EXIST
Over 60% of people live paycheck-to-paycheck. When unexpected events occur — car breakdowns, medical bills, job loss — many have nowhere to turn. The Good Samaritan Fund provides a lifeline during these moments of crisis.
OUR IMPACT
29+ years of service helping individuals get back on track
Last year:
- Funded 402 cases
- Average assistance: $587
- Total aid provided: $236,000
- Helped 700+ individuals facing medical or mental health crisis, homelessness, eviction, domestic abuse, and other one-time assistance needs
HOW WE WORK
- Partner with 45+ agencies across Central MN—counties, mental health centers, churches, schools, VA, Salvation Army and more
- Accept referrals when other agencies run out of funds or cannot assist
- Every case is reviewed and approved by a volunteer committee
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
- Local impact: Serving those within a 20-mile radius of St. Cloud
- One-time emergency assistance: Not ongoing support
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Inspired by the Good Samaritan story in the Gospel of Luke
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100% of donations go directly to help people— no overhead costs. Minimal expenses are covered by board members
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A “wholly owned subsidiary” of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation with our own board and fundraising efforts
WHO WE’VE HELPED
- Case 6789 – case is from Anna Marie’s Alliance for a single mother with three children. The family was fleeing domestic violence and was looking to secure housing after being homeless for the past three years. She has secured employment but needs some help covering first month’s rent and deposit. Good Samaritan was able to help pay for 1/3 of these costs together with the County and the client.
- Case 7077 – referral from CentraCare for a couple who both experienced health issues where they fell behind on their bills due to reduced hours at work. They are both back to working full-time but need assistance getting caught back up on their rent. They were able to work with their property manager to get on a payment plan for their past due balance after Good Samaritan was able to help with a substantial amount of their past due balance.
- Case 7087 – referral from Tri-CAP. This case is for a single person who needs vehicle repairs to maintain their employment. The client was able to put some dollars towards the repairs, along with two other community programs. Good Samaritan was able cover the remaining balance for the vehicle repairs from there, making the vehicle safe.
To donate to the Good Samaritan Fund scan the QR Code below or visit communitygiving. org/donate and select Good Samaritan Fund II from the drop-down list. Donations can also be made by check to the Good Samaritan Fund, 101 South 7th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56301.