BI WORLDWIDE CEO Larry Schoenecker fondly remembers the longtime friendship between his father Guy Schoenecker and Bridging Founder Fran Heitzman. When Fran posed the question ‘why can’t we take things that people no longer need and give it to somebody who needs it?’ and envisioned the future of Bridging, Guy responded with his support for the emerging organization. He even provided Bridging with its first truck!

Decades later Larry Schoenecker and BI WORLDWIDE continue to inspire through their partnerships. Their family business, founded by Guy Schoenecker, is a Star Tribune Top 200 Place to Work that inspires people and delivers results with clients in Minnesota and around the globe.

BI Worldwide also makes an inspiring impact through their ongoing partnership with Bridging. For the third year in a row, BI WORLDWIDE is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 Gala, Bridging’s largest fundraiser. For seven years, BI WORLDWIDE has responded with generosity to Bridging’s inventory “wish list” by purchasing cookware that clients can select for their homes.

“Bridging’s mission is compelling” he says. Helping people get established in a new home can be a life-changing event that allows them to focus on employment, education, family care, or recovery. The way Bridging treats their clients with respect and dignity sets an example for all.”

As a furniture bank, Bridging relies on vital partnerships to sustain its operations and furnish nearly 5000 households in the community each year.

By providing generous financial support, essential household goods, and volunteer support, BI WORLDWIDE plays an important role in Bridging’s work to furnish homes with hope alongside individuals and families as they transition to housing stability.

Mark Wilkening, the executive director of Bridging, expresses gratitude for the valued partnership:

“We are grateful that the legacy of the beautiful friendship of two amazing men, BI WORLDWIDE Founder Guy Schoenecker and Bridging Founder Fran Heitzman, continues to live on and bear much fruit at Bridging and in our community through the incredible support of BI WORLDWIDE CEO Larry Schoenecker and the Schoenecker Family. Thank you!”