Our Story
How did a church ministry grow in to the largest furniture bank in the United States?
In 1987 Fran Heitzman, a former business owner and entrepreneur, was the custodian at Pax Christi Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
On a whim, a woman brought a piece of furniture to the church and asked Fran if it could be used in the children’s nursery. Fran said no, but he was sure he could find a home for it. He then started making phone calls and found a social service agency that said they would be thrilled to receive the furniture.
That was the moment Bridging was born. Fran thought that if he could find a home for that piece of furniture, then he should be able to find a home for even more furniture – this idea could bridge the gap between those who have and those who have not.
Since 1987, the impact Bridging has made in the lives of local families transitioning to housing stability, the environment, and its volunteer community is monumental. Each year, Bridging continues to bring hope and stability to more than 13,000 people, annually.
Serving Through the Years
July
1987
Fran Heitzman, a former business owner and entrepreneur, holds the first organizational meeting of “Bridging Ministries” at Pax Christi Catholic church in Eden Prairie, MN with the idea of bridging the gap between those who have and those who have not.
Bridging finds its first permanent home, 2,500 square feet at 6410 Cecilia Circle in Bloomington
June
1990
August
1994
Bridging surpasses the $1,000,000 mark in providing donated furnishings based on IRS “thrift shop value,” a testament to the generosity of the individuals and organizations who donated their furniture and household items!
For the first time, Bridging sets up permanent racking and aisles to maximize its warehouse space. It’s a game-changer for this growing organization!
September
1995
December
1996
Bridging gives away its 10,000th bed! Each bed is part of a story of resilience, compassion, and the power of community coming together to make a positive change.
Bridging hosts the first national “free furniture agency conference.” Participants from all over the United States were in attendance. Five years later, the next conference launched the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA.)
June
1997
July
1997
Ten years after its founding, Bridging holds the formal ground breaking ceremony for 201 West 87th street, the location for the 26,000 square foot Bloomington warehouse.
Bridging begins production on the “Boeser dresser,” named after Howie Boeser. By 2005, the volunteers had built and distributed a total of 5,000 dressers.
1998
Winter
1998
The first annual Bedrace for Bridging fundraiser is held at Buck Hill in Burnsville, MN. This begins a yearly tradition of teams racing downhill on mattresses to raise funds in support of Bridging’s mission.
The first annual Bring a Blanket collection takes place thanks to longtime partner Nemer Fieger.
November
2002
September
2004
More than 125 employees from Donaldson reorganize the Bloomington warehouse. In two hours, the racks were emptied, increasing capacity by 30%.
Bridging – Central Minnesota opens with 7,000 partnership with local nonprofit “Share a Chair” in St. Cloud. 1,303 families are served in the three and a half years of operation.
January
2005
May
2006
Bridging acquires its first 53 foot semitruck with our logo. The Bridging fleet begins to grow.
Bridging expands in the Twin Cities, opening a months, this location serves 40 appointments a week.
November
2006
December
2007
7,700 volunteers donate a record 90,000 hours and continue to be vital to the operation twenty years after Bridging’s founding.
Bridging launches the client delivery program, to our fleet. With this program, Bridging delivers furniture to clients within the seven – county metro area.
January
2008
July
2012
Bridging celebrates 25 years of service and a milestone of 60,000 households served!
Bridging holds its second capital campaign and purchases a 70,000 square foot warehouse, Heitzman Commons, at 1730 Terrace Drive. This is now the home of the Roseville Warehouse.
2015
January
2020
January 11, 2020, Founder Fran Heitzman passes away at 94.
“I believe that with all of us just doing what we can, we can change the world. And if everybody practices that, what a beautiful world it would be.” – Fran
Bridging reopens for programs and services after a brief shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic.
May
2020
October
2020
Bridging hosts a 100% virtual gala. The Heitzman family are the honorary chairs of this historic fundraising event.
Bridging celebrates serving its 100,000th household since our inception in 1987. The unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between those with surplus items and those in need makes a positive impact on the lives of more than 300,000 individuals.
December
2021
July
2020
Bridging holds the inaugural Founder’s Week celebration in honor of Fran Heitzman and service to the community since 1987. Founder Fran’s legacy lives on, inspiring hope, and creating a lasting impact.
Bridging is poised to make an even greater impact, providing a bridge to hope and stability for countless more families and individuals. We look forward to a future where no one has to go without the essential comforts of home, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Bridging and the generosity of our community.
Bridging’s vision is that EVERYONE LIVES IN A FURNISHED HOME
Fran Heitzman
March 6, 1925 ~ January 11, 2020
Fran was deeply loved by those who met him over the course of his amazing 94 years of a life well lived. In addition to his family, those who had the opportunity to serve alongside him at Bridging over the last 33 years will forever cherish the memories and be inspired to keep his dream alive. The contagious inspiration and passion Fran shared as an advocate for those in need ensured all families were served with dignity and was vital in achieving Bridging’s milestone of serving 95,000 households since its inception/the beginning. His tremendous work ethic, commitment to quality service, and unwavering pledge to ensure that “everyone has a bed to sleep in” truly made him one-of-a-kind.
“It has been a true honor to serve alongside this most extraordinary man – so full of love, care and compassion for others. I will forever treasure my experiences with him and all the wisdom shared. He was a true champion for the community. More than 300,000 individuals have had their homes furnished with hope because of Fran’s vision. We have the privilege to carry on his incredible legacy of love and service to all whom we encounter; and at Bridging, we will do just that.” Mark Wilkening, Bridging’s Executive Director
Founder Fran’s vision for Bridging will continue to thrive and his legacy will be everlasting, touching generations to come. He has given us HOPE for a better and brighter world and we will never forget his profound words; “When good people get together and do good things, then good things happen®” — Fran Heitzman, Bridging founder
Honor Founder Fran with a Memorial Gift: To ensure Fran’s legacy lives on and his dream to furnish homes with hope continues well into the future, Bridging will be establishing the Founder Fran Fund to which all memorial gifts will be designated. Donate now.
Founder Fran will forever be in our hearts, and we will keep his dream alive!
Thank you to ALL who have touch his life and made an impact at Bridging. Help us continue his dream for generations to come!
- Fran Heitzman: Building a Legacy of Hope (Video)
- The Story of Bridging: Our origins (Video)
- Star Tribune Memorial Feature Article, January 12, 2020 – read the published piece here.
