MRPF Corner

Foundation Board Busy Planning for Fall

By Elizabeth Owens, MRPF Communication’s Liaison

The MRPF Board has been busy creating new fundraising opportunities, reviewing grant applications and reviewing scholarship applications. Thank you to those who joined us for our fi rst happy hour of 2022, after MRPA’s annual awards celebration this past April. It was an incredible time together networking and celebrating with professionals in our fi eld. Thanks to our member’s generosity, we were able to raise over $500 for the Foundation! Keep your eyes open for another happy hour opportunity in late August. We are working on a collaboration so part of the sales for the August happy hour will go towards the Foundation. Also, be on the lookout for a new MRPF online store where you will be able to purchase MRPF swag! We are looking forward to offering a few new interactive fundraising opportunities, like a wine and beer pull and “Heads or Tails game,” at the annual conference. Mark your calendars for the annual MRPF Golf Tournament, at Cragun’s Resort on Tuesday, October 11 and make sure you visit the MRPF booth at the exhibit hall on October 13. While you are planning your conference schedule, don’t forget to attend the New Initiative Grant session on Thursday, October 13 at 9:30 a.m. During this session you will hear from past recipients of New Initiative Grants, learn about the amazing projects, programs and events these grants help fund and perhaps, this presentation will spark an idea you can bring to your community. The fall round of New Initiative Grants will be due Friday, November 4. In June, former MRPF board member Marcia Bach, had the honor of presenting Ms. Sally Callahan with Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation’s 2021 Cornerstone Award (pictured at left). This award was given to Fran and Sally Callahan. The Cornerstone Award is presented annually to someone who has made a signifi cant contribution to the Foundation. We are grateful for the Callahan family’s support, generosity and legacy in our fi eld. We look forward to seeing you at Cragun’s this fall as we learn, grow, and support our professional fi eld together!

The Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation (MRPF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Minnesota by supporting recreation and parks through education, networking opportunities, programming grants, student and professional continuing education scholarships, and providing support to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Learn more at www.mnrpf.org.