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| Foundation Names 2009 Award Winners |
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RELEASE DATE: March 09, 2009
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Foundation Names 2009 Award Winners
The Initiative Foundation will honor six winners at its 2009 Initiative Awards on April 17th at the St. Cloud Civic Center. Since 2000, the awards event has recognized outstanding leadership and community service in central Minnesota.
Outstanding Community — Pine City
The foundation chose Pine City to receive its Outstanding Community Award, sponsored by East Central Energy. The city was selected because of uncommon citizen volunteerism and significant progress toward business, technology, environmental and early childhood issues. Legions of volunteers have come together to revitalize their downtown area, attract high-tech companies, preserve local lakes, promote early childhood education efforts and restore community pride.
Outstanding Enterprise — LINDAR Corporation, Baxter
LINDAR Corporation, the largest manufacturer in the Brainerd area, will receive the foundation’s Outstanding Enterprise Award, sponsored by Bremer. Located in the Baxter industrial park, LINDAR makes plastic products like berry containers, medical packaging, and paint tray liners. Its clients include General Mills, Pillsbury, Sherwin Williams and Toro. The company provides living wages and benefits for its 95 employees, making a significant impact on the local economy.
Outstanding Green Venture — Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Pine River
The foundation selected the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) as its Outstanding Green Venture, sponsored by Minnesota Power. The Pine River nonprofit organization helps low-income families heat their homes by manufacturing and installing solar heating systems. The clean-energy systems save up to 30 percent on monthly heating expenses, which reduces the need for public assistance and helps families to make ends meet.
Outstanding Leadership — Dr. Glen Palm, St. Cloud State University
Dr. Glen Palm is the winner of the foundation’s inaugural Outstanding Leadership Award, sponsored by Xcel Energy. A St. Cloud State University professor of Child and Family Studies, Palm’s teaching, research and volunteerism has helped to strengthen early childhood services statewide. He has also been an advocate for responsible fatherhood, helping to form the Minnesota Fathers and Families Network and leading prison programs that help incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children.
Outstanding Nonprofit Organization — Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, St. Cloud
The foundation selected Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity as its Outstanding Nonprofit Organization, sponsored by Schlenner Wenner & Co. Its sweat-equity building and remodeling programs unite volunteers and low-income families to achieve the dream of homeownership. With eight homes completed in 2008, Habitat more than doubled its annual production and also used “green” construction techniques to reduce utility expenses.
Outstanding Youth — Jennifer Schmidt, St. Cloud
Jennifer Schmidt was named the foundation’s Outstanding Youth, sponsored by Gray Plant Mooty. An Apollo High School graduate, Schmidt logged more than 1,000 hours as a junior volunteer leader at the St. Cloud Hospital. She also raised money for Kids Against Hunger and helped to plan the statewide Social Justice Conference, which engages teens in community service. Schmidt is currently a pre-medicine student at the University of Minnesota-Morris.
“In tough economic times, our award winners represent what is possible to achieve with hope, creativity and perseverance,” said Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. “We’re inspired by each of them, and we’re proud to bring their accomplishments to light.”
Winners were selected by volunteer committees based on their leadership, innovation and community impact. Each will receive a recycled glass sculpture by artist, Michael Tonder, and $1,000 for the charity of their choice. In late March, the recipients will also be featured in print and online editions of IQ Magazine.
The foundation’s star-themed awards event, “A Constellation of Community Service,” is scheduled for 5 p.m., April 17th at the St. Cloud Civic Center’s Terry Haws Ballroom. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased online at www.ifound.org/awards or by calling Anita Hollenhorst at 877-632-9255.
(END)
Contact:
Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation President
Media Note: 300-dpi JPEGs of the award winners and foundation logo are available by contacting Anita Hollenhorst. |
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