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Minnesota Monthly /  Events, Pics & Calendars /  Charitable Registry

Charitable Registry

* Registration for the 2008-2009 charitable registry has passed. It will appear in an upcoming issue of Minnesota Monthly.

Twin Cities Charitable Registry

Join us in supporting our local charitable organizations and the great work they do. From walks and bike rides to gala black-tie events, you’ll find many ways to help make a difference in our community. 

>> Calendar of Events

Monthly listings with the details you need to participate..
NOTE: All events subject to change; please call or check website in advance.

Heart of the Event Awards

Minnesota Monthly’s Heart of the Event Award is an opportunity for non-profits to nominate a volunteer within their organizations for one of their special events. These award winners go above and beyond the call of duty. They make these events possible because of their big hearts and consistent dedication.

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Congratulations to the 2007 winners:

Fall Festival of Hope Restaurant Extravaganza

BERI CORCORAN

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Beri Corcoran leaves her mark on the world by volunteering with various organizations year-round, but she is most gracious to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for how they have affected her life.

When her son Zach was an active, happy 4-year-old, he was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor, a rare type of kidney cancer that affects children. After a rollercoaster ride of emotions, questions, good days and bad days, treatment, and remission—Zach got better. Today he is a healthy student at Rosemount High School.

“I volunteer at St. Jude as a way of giving back,” Beri, 38, comments. “I can’t repay them enough for what they did for my son.”

St. Jude’s vision is to cure every child afflicted by a life-threatening disease, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Discoveries made by gifted St. Jude researchers completely change how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Beri volunteers by telling her personal story at community events, participating in fundraising, and generously donating her time whenever (and wherever) she is needed.

“St. Jude saved my son, and for that I am forever grateful,” she says.

The feelings are mutual.

“St. Jude is grateful to have Beri,” says Michele Asmussen, senior event marketing representative of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“She is a generous and kind woman who has dedicated herself to helping the kids of St. Jude any way she can.”

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Global Gala Event

DALE KIVIMAKI

Smile Network International

Dale Kivimaki is not your typical chairman of the board. Then again, not much about Dale is typical.

“He’s always the first guy on the scene and the last to leave. Since [Smile Networks’s] infancy, he has made us look professional and organized when we had no right to appear to be either,” explains Kim Valentini of Smile Network International, a humanitarian organization with the primary mission of restoring the gifts of joy and dignity to impoverished children born with the birth defects of cleft lips and palates.

Dale’s job lacks glamour and acknowledgement, despite sometimes long, tedious, emotionally draining hours. He has never complained. He willingly takes on difficult jobs and requests both big and small. No job is beneath him.

In one of his volunteer roles, he spent weeks abroad capturing powerful Smile Network images, then put in countless volunteer hours skillfully editing and crafting video images to share with the general public.

“It is impossible not to be moved to tears when you watch Dale’s images,” Kim says.

Not only is Dale chairman of the Smile Network International Board, he volunteers for Race for the Cure, The Minnesota Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, University of Minnesota Athletics, and the annual Minnesota Prayer Breakfast, and is the CEO and president of Freestyle Productions. He is passionate about giving back to the community.

Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Dale Kivimaki truly embodies this quote.

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Hope Has No Boundaries Blue Jeans & Black Tie Gala

LISSA WEIMELT

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer

Sometimes a volunteer will take a cause under her wings and elevate that cause to new heights. Such was the case with Lissa Weimelt, 55, co-chair of the silent and live auction for the Fourth Annual Hope Has No Boundaries Blue Jeans & Black Tie Gala, benefiting Hope Chest for Breast Cancer.

For an entire year, Lissa held meetings at her home to brainstorm ways the event could raise $50,000. She worked tirelessly for the cause, soliciting items, unpacking boxes, pricing and displaying merchandise, running errands, selling tickets, promoting the event, and keeping the evening classy.

In the end, she more than doubled the funds raised in 2005.

“She took the initiative and really took ownership of the event,” says Korie Morgan of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. “She was the ‘Heart of the Event.’ No doubt.”

Volunteering is nothing new to Lissa. She has helped out at homeless shelters, volunteered for activities at her daughter’s school, and this year chaired a committee for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts “Art in Bloom” annual Friends Fundraiser.

Characteristic of her modest personality, Lissa is quick to divert the attention to Barbara Hensley, founder of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, rather than take credit herself.

“I volunteer because Barbara and her staff are amazing,” Lissa says. “I totally admire Barbara’s commitment, her passion, and her tireless dedication to those who are affected by breast cancer.”

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Allianz MS 60/30 Bike Tour

ROX WATERCOTT

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

When Rox Watercott, 43, first rode her bike in the MS 60/30 Bike Tour, she was simply participating in a bike ride for charity. She gathered a team of 10 coworkers and had a ball.

The following year she recruited her company, Allianz Life Insurance, as the event’s title sponsor and began recruiting riders. Today, she serves as team captain of the 77-member Allianz “Folks on Spokes” bike team—the top fundraising team since 2002. They raised $35,800 in 2006 alone, with Rox earning the title of “No.1 Fundraiser.”

“I like to be a high performer in everything I do, and working with the MS Society is no different,” Rox comments.

Her contributions to the Allianz MS 60/30 Bike Tour, however, go well beyond dollars and cents.

She recruits nearly every event volunteer, from those who staff the registration table to those who staff the rest stops; designs and prints maps; assembles about 1,000 race day packets; and arranges for a local photographer to take team photos before the ride, then has them ready for riders as they finish the tour.

“Rox’s enthusiasm, drive, energy, and passion for helping others has been instrumental in the success of the event,” says Emily Wilson, spokesperson with the Minnesota Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “She has helped bring the MS Society one step closer to our goal of a world free of multiple sclerosis.”

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Celebration for Life Gala

COLLEEN SIMPSON

Park Nicollet Foundation

For the past 14 years, Colleen Simpson has been the heart and soul of the Celebration for Life event, benefiting innovations in health care at Park Nicollet Foundation and throughout the community.

“She is the hardest working volunteer,” says Carolyn Pratt, a board member of the Park Nicollet Foundation and Celebration for Life executive committee. “I have never met anyone who dedicates her time and energy to the community in as many ways as Colleen.”

The Celebration for Life Gala draws 1,500 guests and typically raises over $500,000—no small feat.

It wasn’t until Carolyn chaired the event in 2005 that she began to realize the tireless effort, countless hours, and complete devotion Colleen dedicates to the event, year after year. It isn’t unusual to find at her desk in the early morning hours or working late into the evening working on a Foundation event. In addition to an outstanding work ethic, her friendly, enthusiastic personality inspires others.

“Her energy is infectious,” Carolyn comments.

Colleen volunteers with more than a dozen community organizations.

“She has served as a role model for me and countless others, inspiring all of us to do more than we think we can, stretching ourselves to become involved, work hard, and give back,” Carolyn says. “In the end, we are the ones who have benefited most from her excellent example. The community is a better place to live, thanks to Colleen.”

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Relay for Life

DR. JIM YOUNG

American Cancer Society

If the true measure of a man is found in what he does for others, then Dr. Jim Young stands tall. Not only does he help patients as a full-time physician at Ridgeview Clinic in Chanhassen, he is a passionate, determined, and focused volunteer leader of the American Cancer Society (ACS).

His volunteer journey began as an ACS Relay For Life co-chair two years ago to honor his mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. He currently serves on the Relay For Life Task Force and Minnesota State Advisory Council, and is a legislative ambassador representing Minnesota in Washington, D.C. He works with the ACS’s Health Promotions Department to increase the visibility of the organization among physicians, and serves as an organizational spokesperson during media interviews.

“Jim has a team player attitude, which allows him to work well with others, but also a desire and ability to lead, which makes him a valuable asset to our organization,” explains Janis Rannow, ACS media relations manager. “He balances his volunteer time and energy between all departments of our organization.”

Since his mother’s passing in February 2007, Jim has made it his personal mission to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
“From research to quality of life, Jim wants to be involved,” Janis says. “His nature is to give. He gives times, knowledge, and support to his patients, volunteer organizations, friends, and family.”

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Walk for PKD

GARY DEGRANDE

PKD Foundation

Diagnosed at age 15 with genetic polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Gary DeGrande was aware at a young age that both kidneys were slowly failing. Two years ago, when Gary was 57, his wife Mary gave up a kidney to save her husband’s life.

Feeling that he was given a second chance, Gary has done whatever he can to educate those willing to listen. He speaks to schools and community groups about PKD, and regularly talks to the media.

“He’s been a generous volunteer for 10 years,” says Mary Boss, who nominated Gary for the Heart of the Event Award. “He’s a transplant recipient who provides informational and emotional support to other PKDers.”

Gary is the coordinator of the Minnesota chapter of the PKD Foundation, chairs the Walk for PKD Sponsorship Committee and Scientific Program Committee, and serves as a member on the Board of Trustees for the national foundation. He volunteers at Golfing and Bowling For PKD events, and seven years ago led the first Minnesota Walk. Over the past six years, $400,000 has been raised for PKD research.

“I volunteer with the PKD Foundation because I am committed to the mission,” Gary says. “I want to see that first-ever treatment for PKD available before I die. We have made so much progress in the years I have been involved with the Foundation. There is cautious optimism that the elusive drug treatment is within our grasp.”

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The Dance

NEIL FREEMAN

Sara’s Dance Foundation

When Neil Freeman heard the story of Sara Johnson-Turpin, a beautiful 22-year-old dancer who lost a courageous battle with cancer, he was touched. He had watched a close friend of his battle her own fight with cancer, and he believed in the mission of Sara’s Dance Foundation to open ‘the dance wellness center,’ a full-service wellness center/health spa/ salon devoted to women recovering from cancer treatment or living with other serious illnesses.

“When he learned about ‘the dance,’ his first reaction was, ‘This is a great idea and I want to be a part of it,’” says Nancy Graham-Kiel, founding committee member of Sara’s Dance Foundation. “He’s extremely thoughtful and kind-hearted.”

In order to get wellness center up and running, a major fundraising event, also called ‘the dance,’ was planned. Neil whole-heartedly jumped in to help, dedicating his time, energy, and resources to making the fundraiser a success.

As the general manager and morning show host of local radio station BOB 106, Neil donated numerous hours of promotional interviews and personal appearances getting the word out about ‘the dance.’ He emceed the event and donated tickets to sporting events and concerts for the Silent Auction. He even graciously agreed to be auctioned off in the “Bachelor Auction.” His hard work and generous contributions helped raise over $22,000.

“Neil is a wonderful ambassador for ‘the dance,’” says Cindy Deuser, founding chairperson of Sara’s Dance Foundation.

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Charitable Giving

Making individual stock and cash gifts to charities is time-consuming and requires itemizing each entry on your tax forms. The advantage to contributing stock, cash and other assets to a foundation such as The Saint Paul Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, and Courage Center/ Courage Foundation is simplicity.

“It’s a simple process,” says Mary Ellis Peterson, a planned giving officer at The Minneapolis Foundation. “People can handle most of their charitable giving in one place.”

Donor Advised Funds allow donors to contribute stocks, cash, bonds, mutual funds or other appreciated assets, receive their charitable deduction in the year they make the gift, and recommend how the money is distributed over time.

Jean Vukas Roberts, vice president of development for The Saint Paul Foundation and Minnesota Community Foundation, describes Donor Advised Funds as “simple and flexible ways for donors to make an impact in the community.”

“Today, more and more people are creating charitable legacies,” Vukas Roberts explains. “Whether through a Donor Advised Fund or a charitable bequest, donors can ensure the issues they care about are addressed throughout the years.”

Approximately 30 percent of the annual budget at Courage Center, a nonprofit organization empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential, comes through charitable support, explains Don Taylor, chief development officer of Courage Foundation.

And while charitable donations have financial rewards, rarely is the benefit of a deduction the most significant motivation for making a gift, he says.

”People give to community charities for a myriad of reasons, sometimes faith-based, sometimes out of a sense of gratitude for services received, maybe just because it feels good to help,” Taylor says. “For others, it’s a way to uphold a long-time family or corporate tradition of giving to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans.”

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