--- title: Giving Back --- [![Avionté 20 Years](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aviont%C3%A9%2020%20Years%20-%20Navy.png?width=90&height=76&name=Aviont%C3%A9%2020%20Years%20-%20Navy.png)](https://20years.avionte.com?hsLang=en) - [OUR HISTORY](https://20years.avionte.com/history?hsLang=en) - [YOUR REFLECTIONS](https://20years.avionte.com/your-stories?hsLang=en) - [GIVING BACK](https://20years.avionte.com/giving-back) - [SHARE YOUR MEMORIES](https://20years.avionte.com/share?hsLang=en) # Giving Back Avionté’s mission is to enrich lives by helping our clients better connect people with meaningful work. That commitment to uplift those around us carries into the Avionté Hope Foundation (AHF), which encourages volunteerism and helps strengthen and transform the communities we serve. ## Avionté Hope Foundation Making a difference has always been central to Avionté’s ethos. We recognize that empowering individuals through employment also means supporting the broader well-being of their communities. In 2012, we launched the Avionté Hope Foundation (AHF) to put that belief into action — supporting individuals, strengthening communities, and giving employees meaningful ways to contribute. Over the past 13 years, Avionté has donated nearly $500,000 to more than 200 organizations, and our employees have volunteered over 5,750 hours in service to their communities. ![Feed my starving children2 1](https://20years.avionte.com/hubfs/Feed%20my%20starving%20children2%201.jpg "Feed my starving children2 1") ![Image (11)-1](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Image%20(11)-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Image%20(11)-1.jpg) ![Coin War](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Coin%20War.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Coin%20War.jpg) ![Down Syndrome Socks](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Down%20Syndrome%20Socks.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Down%20Syndrome%20Socks.jpg) ![Clare, Cass and Suzie Blankets](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Clare%2c%20Cass%20and%20Suzie%20Blankets.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Clare%2c%20Cass%20and%20Suzie%20Blankets.jpg) ![Chris Mary Pierce AHF photo](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-2.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-2.png) VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES ## Compassion in Action AHF creates meaningful opportunities for employees to give back through hands-on charitable initiatives. Avionté employees have rolled up their sleeves and made an impact in countless ways: donating blood, joining Movember to raise awareness, crafting blankets for those in need, braving the Polar Plunge, and collecting toys for local charities, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the communities around them. These events promote team unity, encourage direct, hands-on giving, and create a culture of compassion. INDIVIDUAL OUTREACH ## Hope Days Avionté believes that empowering employees to support the causes they care about most makes our communities stronger. In this spirit, we created our Hope Days initiative to give every team member dedicated time to volunteer and deepen our culture of community involvement. Hope Days provides every employee with 24 hours of paid volunteer time each year. Team members can join company-sponsored events or volunteer on their own with organizations that matter to them. This flexibility allows people to make an impact in ways that reflect their personal values — and it ensures remote employees can contribute meaningfully within their own communities.   ![Cleaning up Yards](https://20years.avionte.com/hubfs/Cleaning%20up%20Yards.jpg "Cleaning up Yards") ![Second Harvest Heartland](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Second%20Harvest%20Heartland.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Second%20Harvest%20Heartland.jpg) ![002301a7b9d6c614e23e3bb61c5d6ec3](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/002301a7b9d6c614e23e3bb61c5d6ec3.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=002301a7b9d6c614e23e3bb61c5d6ec3.png) ![AHF Photos](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/AHF%20Photos.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=AHF%20Photos.png) ![3-Nov-11-2025-06-22-48-7788-PM](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/3-Nov-11-2025-06-22-48-7788-PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=3-Nov-11-2025-06-22-48-7788-PM.png) ![Habitat for Humanity Gala group photo](https://2734547.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2734547/hubfs/Habitat%20for%20Humanity%20Gala%20group%20photo.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Habitat%20for%20Humanity%20Gala%20group%20photo.jpg) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ## Community Support Avionté donates to a wide range of causes, supporting medical research, youth mentorship, community health, animal welfare, and efforts to combat food insecurity. Alongside our ongoing charitable partnerships, AHF also sets aside funds for urgent needs that arise. This ensures we can respond quickly when client employees or their communities are affected by natural disasters or other unforeseen events.   INTERVIEW ## Leading With Purpose Melissa Blackstad leads the Avionté Hope Foundation, coordinating volunteer efforts, planning group service events, delivering donations, and fulfilling 501(c)(3) wish lists. Hear from Melissa about getting started with AHF, why volunteering is such a vital part of Avionté’s culture, and her proudest AHF moment. [Read the Interview](https://20years.avionte.com/melissa-blackstad-interview?hsLang=en) ![Image (5)-2](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%20(5)-2.jpg?width=2000&height=1500&name=Image%20(5)-2.jpg "Image (5)-2") TESTIMONIAL > *We are deeply grateful for Avionte this holiday season. They have been among our most valuable partners for the past decade, sharing our belief that young people deserve the opportunity to thrive. They continue to support us as we work to break cycles of injustice and ensure that youth, who have often experienced deep trauma, can define their own hopeful future.* > > > > *What makes our relationship with Avionte so exceptional is the breadth of their engagement. Their commitment is far-reaching, including critical support for our Housing Program and reliable financial contributions through major event Sponsorships. Beyond funding, their team demonstrates genuine personal involvement through their participation in our Adopt-a-Family program, generous Silent Auction donations, and vital in-kind donations that ensure our operational needs are met. This comprehensive, year-round investment touches every corner of our organization, creating the positive impact we can achieve together.* ![Canva Design DAG6O3WxjbQ](https://20years.avionte.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6O3WxjbQ.png) Jelena Song Community and Corporate Giving Manager, The Link ## 2025 Organizations Supported In 2025, Avionté proudly supported these charitable organizations, reflecting our commitment to uplifting communities in Minnesota and beyond.  [![Canva Design DAG6Ow3iY8Q](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6Ow3iY8Q.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6Ow3iY8Q.png)](https://iloveyoumorefoundation.org/) ##### **The Michael Trella Foundation (I Love You More)** ![Canva Design DAG6O3WxjbQ](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6O3WxjbQ.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6O3WxjbQ.png) ##### **The Link** [![Canva Design DAG6OyyjCUQ](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6OyyjCUQ.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6OyyjCUQ.png)](https://www.gtcuw.org/) ##### **Greater Twin Cities Metro United Way** [![Canva Design DAG6O0PO8m8](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6O0PO8m8.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6O0PO8m8.png)](https://noteinthepocket.org/) ##### **Note in the Pocket** [![Canva Design DAG6Oy30\_J8](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6Oy30_J8.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6Oy30_J8.png)](https://specialolympicsminnesota.org/) ##### **Special Olympics Minnesota** [![Canva Design DAG6Owqbhpw](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6Owqbhpw.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6Owqbhpw.png)](https://www.mayoclinic.org) ##### **Mayo Clinic** [![Canva Design DAG6O-pCf0g](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6O-pCf0g.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6O-pCf0g.png)](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/about/) ##### **Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation** [![Canva Design DAG6OwuYL7A](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6OwuYL7A.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6OwuYL7A.png)](https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofStThomas) ##### **University of St. Thomas Minnesota** [![Canva Design DAG6O1vr4zM](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6O1vr4zM.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6O1vr4zM.png)](https://eccha.org/) ##### **Eau Claire Community Humane Association** [![Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(13)-2.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=Untitled%20design%20(13)-2.png)](https://omrf.org/) ##### **Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation** [![Canva Design DAG6TK4INpo](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6TK4INpo.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6TK4INpo.png)](https://www.alexandrahouse.org/) ##### **Alexandra House** [![Canva Design DAG6TBxgUz8](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6TBxgUz8.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6TBxgUz8.png)](https://www.flippenfoundation.com/about-us) ##### **Flippen Foundation** [![Canva Design DAG6TGvjFsI](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6TGvjFsI.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6TGvjFsI.png)](https://www.combatvet.us/) ##### **Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association** [![Canva Design DAG6TGmgGtg](https://20years.avionte.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAG6TGmgGtg.png?width=500&height=500&name=Canva%20Design%20DAG6TGmgGtg.png)](https://brady-swenson-lucky-13-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com/contact-us) ##### **Brady Swenson Tournament** INTERVIEW ## Listen to John Long Reflect on 20 Years of Avionté  [Watch the Interview →](https://20years.avionte.com/john-long-interview?hsLang=en) [![John Long Interview 20 Year](https://20years.avionte.com/hubfs/John%20Long%20Interview%2020%20Year.png "John Long Interview 20 Year")](https://20years.avionte.com/john-long-interview?hsLang=en) © 2026 Avionté All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://www.avionte.com/privacy/) [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software)