Fargo Monthly January 2024 by Spotlight Media

JANUARY 2024

d n i Beh s e e n h t Sce

COMPLIMENTARY

With the GHD Team!

TABLEOFCONTENTS

FARGO MONTHLY // JANUARY 2024

COVER STORY

24 BEHIND THE SCENES

WITH THE GHD TEAM!

17 26 28 39 44

GHD 12-Month Timeline Digital Donations Charity Features Fargo INC! Sneak Peek Full GHD Charity List

50 Meet the Maker: Dakota Tallow

52 Artist Feature: Kendra Jolicoeur 58 Rediscovering Home with Alicia Underlee Nelson 68 Wine of the Month: Kesselring Vineyards

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Volume 14 / Issue 01

January 2024

Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.

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Mike Dragosavich Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Geneva Nodland, Grant Ayers Kim Cowles Ty Betts Josiah Kopp Alexandre Cyusa, Ashley Morken Nick Schommer Kellen Feeney Tommy Uhlir Megan Suedbeck Ben Buchanan Austin Smith Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Austin Cuka AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

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FROMTHEEDITOR

SLOWLY BUT

SURELY A s the first snowflakes of 2024 settle gently on our city's shoulders (or more, as the first subzero temps freeze our city), it's time to embrace the new beginnings and fresh hopes that January brings. In this first issue of Fargo Monthly for the year, we're not just celebrating a new start, but also the heartwarming spirit of our community, magnified through our special feature: Giving Hearts Day.

In a city known for its resilience against the cold, the warmth of our community shines brightest. This month, we unpacked one of Fargo's most beloved and impactful traditions—Giving Hearts Day, a powerful initiative orchestrated by the Dakota Medical Foundation. It's more than just a day of giving; it showcases the power of community, big or small, local or not. Our feature on Giving Hearts Day is an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey. We've painstakingly chronicled a 12-month timeline, offering insights into the monumental effort it takes to bring this annual charity event to life. From the early planning stages to the final hours of the event, you'll hear directly from various members of the Giving Hearts Day team— the strategists, the community liaisons, the marketing mavens, and the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure the event's success.

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But, of course, that's not all this issue has in store. If you noticed the back of the issue is "upside down," you're partially right—we are launching our first edition of Fargo Monthly and HOME by Trendsetters, a collaborative and complimentary project to combine two things we have found readers love: community-oriented happenings and goings-on and home and design content. This new effort to merge two ideas, two focuses, into one convenient package is a new and innovative venture for Spotlight, and it certainly wasn't one we threw together. We've been listening to feedback since revamping our Design & Living magazine to Trendsetters last January, and are continuing that. As exciting as this new design is, we are always listening to what you, a vitally important part of our magazines, the readers, want. Please take a second to flip the physical magazine around and thumb through HOME by Trendsetters, learn more about what we're planning on showcasing this year, and, most of all, enjoy even more content about our talented community. A little bit about my personal start to the new year because, of course, I have to include it—it seems like this year has begun with a slow start. Maybe it's because the holidays flew by

as usual, but with significantly less of the picturesque wintery scene we're used to, or maybe it's something else entirely, but the only way I can describe this new year is, slow. Not because of a lack of activity, but because there's less urgency than I am used to feeling at this time. Maybe this is a reflection of the "slow living" agenda I applied to my daily life last fall, or maybe it's my mind's way of telling me to chill out, there's enough of the year ahead to be and feel busy. Whatever the case, and even if it's a bit uncomfortable to sit in, I am going to ride out this mellow and easygoing start to the year. Just because I'm not going a mile a minute, doesn't necessarily mean I'm not still going—I'm just starting at my own pace this year. Here's to a year filled with giving, growing, and staying connected, with continued open-mindedness coupled with eagerness, and a constant reminder to set your own pace; and, of course, a big, brand new 2024, Happy Reading!

Geneva Nodland Editor

By Geneva Nodland

An Insider's Look at

Giving Hearts Day See what really goes into Giving Hearts Day, a local and regional initiative a year in the making!

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Giving Hearts Day, an initiative proudly organized by Dakota Medical Foundation in Fargo, ND, is our region's most powerful display of community and philanthropy. This event captivates countless individuals' hearts each year, encouraging them to contribute to various charitable causes. In this annual Fargo Monthly issue in partnership with Dakota Medical Foundation, we will unfold a 12-month journey with a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous preparations by the Giving Hearts Day team. The timeline we've put together showcases the dedication and hard work that goes into orchestrating this monumental day of giving, showing how every action, big or small, culminates in a powerful display of generosity and community spirit. Keep reading to explore the milestones and strategic planning that make Giving Hearts Day the heart-warming, hopeful, unifying event in the FM area and beyond.

”Our entire team is committed to Giving Hearts Day and all that goes in to it because the charities that participate are so important to our region. The charities put so much work in to not only their Giving Hearts Day campaigns but also their missions that are changing lives and making this the best region to call home. We all truly consider it an honor to support them and all the good they do!” - The Giving Hearts Day Team 16 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Giving Hearts Day 1

Prep Timeline

Day After Giving Hearts Day to Early Spring Key Focus: Celebration & Data Analysis

Amanda Sayre,

Chief Programs Officer As the chief strategy officer, Amanda steers the strategic direction and oversees the technical logistics for Giving Hearts Day, while promoting the annual training and events leading up to the event.

The GHD team's journey begins right after Giving Hearts Day (which doesn't end until sometimes 2:00 a.m.), coming in the Friday after for physical clean up, a quick headcount, and a team pat on the back; and if they're lucky, they'll get out a little early to kickstart their welldeserved, restful weekend. Post-GHD, the team enters a period of celebration, like the grand finale of a show, they honor the remarkable efforts of nonprofits and the community's involvement—as well as celebrate their own efforts after a year in the making. They award a number of charities with accolades, acknowledgments, and more. But, this period is not just about applause, it’s also when the team is crunching the year's numbers. They start their surveying efforts for valuable insights, setting the stage for next year's strategy. Online, charities' successes are celebrated by sharing messages of gratitude for the charities and businesses involved in creating a meaningful day. Everyone on the team assists with immediate postGHD operations like analyzing final numbers, delivering awards to charities and businesses, and more. Those who work on the media side focus on organizing and archiving the material developed for the event and creating

recap content to use online, while also creating graphics with the year's total numbers. They begin to create any graphics with information for the next year during this time, and they also work to reorganize the year's files and prep any graphics for GHD awards. The team also spends this period helping charities understand how to reconcile their donation records, answering any questions about donations, and kickstarting the surveys to be sent out to gather important information from charities. They are congratulating businesses, charities, members, and fundholders on another day full of giving, after the final reporting and documentation of GHD numbers across different categories is done. It's important for the entire GHD team to recognize and celebrate another year, while still getting those crucial numbers to the community. Along with crunching final numbers, another important "last" or "first" step depending on how you look at it, is updating the website with information, resources, and tools for the next Giving Hearts Day. It may seem like an extreme turnaround, and that's because it is!

After the numbers are analyzed and the awards are given, there is a brief moment of lull that some of the team takes advantage of. There are a few weeks during this time of the year that the staff will usually take off to recharge before jumping fully in again. It's vaca-central at DMF! 17

Giving Hearts Day Prep Timeline

Jessica Offerman,

Operational Excellence Leader Jessica is the primary contact for charities that participate in Giving Hearts Day and helps coordinate overall GHD logistics and DMF internal operations.

MarchApril: Spring Season

Key Focus: Report Gathering

As the flowers bloom, so do fresh ideas at the GHD headquarters. This time is marked by dynamic strategy sessions where the team collaborates to hatch innovative plans for the next event. They meticulously analyze surveyed feedback and data from a variety of nonprofit sectors, transforming them into actionable strategies. The insights gathered in the spring will fuel brainstorming sessions to lead the planning and execution of the year's goals for Giving Hearts Day. "We read every single survey response and implement as many things as

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we can from their suggestions," Operational Excellence Leader Jessica Offerman said. "Giving Hearts Day has evolved and changed and a lot of the best ideas have come from the charities themselves!" Those on the team in charge of tech begin to run reports to track the success as well as the growth of GHD, looking for places where they can improve the website (which includes 100,000 visits on GHD) for both charity and donor experiences.

Giving Hearts Day Prep Timeline

MayAugust: Summer Season Key Focus: Engagement, Planning, & Innovation

Summer brings a buzz of activity with ongoing charity engagement and the charity application process. It's a crucial time for the team to plan their media presence and fall and winter strategy, as well as implement some of the enhancements to the website for a better user experience. The team is working on the major build during this time, which could be a new feature or overhauling something old. "A lot of our work here is generally charityorientated and done in May and June. We start registration for GHD in late June so whenever we add or update a feature, we need to consider time for Jess, Nate, and Amanda to update the guides and tutorials," Technical Lead Matt Ohren said. "The summer season is our prime time for ideation," Multimedia Lead Evan Balko said. "It's when we start coming up with our marketing plans and ideas, and then we can really start putting our plans into motion."

Matt Ohren,

Technical Lead Matt builds and maintains web applications and technologies that benefit DMF and its initiatives, including Giving Hearts Day.

Did you know? The GHD team does eight in-person trainings in addition to recording a virtual on-demand version for charities to create ease of access for all involved!

The team also preps the copy and creates graphics to inform the charities about registration as the online portal gets ready to open.

that they are a legitimate nonprofit in good standing with the IRS and that they have the organizational capacity to run a successful Giving Hearts Day campaign. "With over 60 new charities in GHD 2024, these calls usually take up a good chunk of the summer," Jessica said. "This also helps new charities know who they can contact with questions over the next few months and is one of my favorite parts of the year—we get to meet new organizations and add them to our GHD charity network." Following, the team sends out all accepted new and returning participating organizations the necessary "next steps" information for being part of Giving Hearts Day—such as setting up a profile page on the site, connecting a bank account to the site, and registering for orientation and Kick-Off training sessions. In the summer season, the team plans for the Kick-Off in September, updating training materials and preparing any other designed materials. For some, this time does offer a chance to breathe and think thoughtfully about next year's plans.

Typically, the summer is filled with planning what the team wants to do differently in the coming year so that they can start getting their productions put together, people scheduled, and begin to come up with solutions to the creative challenges that come along the way.

To prep for the next season, the team plans the charity training itineraries and logistics, including the campaign field manual and calendar with key dates, as well as the monthly learning series. Any virtual or physical materials are designed for participants from these plans so that they are ready to be shared or printed for the training start in the fall.

After the team finalizes the GHD application for all charities applying to participate that year and it goes live, applicants are driven to the site to apply through online efforts by the team.

At the same time, the team works on general online GHD promotion and updating any resources for businesses and schools with new dates for the next Giving Hearts Day.

The crew then organizes phone calls with every first-time charity that applies to review the policies and criteria and ensure 21

Giving Hearts Day Prep Timeline

SeptemberNovember: Fall Season Key Focus: Comprehensive Training

Kelly Barbot,

Design Lead As the design lead, Kelly's primary role with Giving Hearts Day is to create engaging visual content and ads, while also assisting with various tasks and supporting the team as needed.

Evan Balko,

Multimedia Lead Evan's key role in Giving Hearts Day as the multimedia lead, involves overseeing all media production, including managing a live broadcast, ensuring technical setups are flawless, and coordinating content creation for the event and its promotion. 22 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

As autumn sets in, the team focuses on empowering charities through comprehensive training sessions. These workshops, which are held not only in Fargo but all over the state of North Dakota as well as virtually, are not just informational but also interactive, designed to equip nonprofits with the latest tools and strategies. They also serve as a unique place for nonprofits to network and share useful information—even though they may serve different groups, they all have a similar goal. Referencing the gathered reports with charity data, the team makes the final preparations before training begins. They look for feedback and suggestions from the gathered information to ensure quality training, like training topics that were suggested by the charities to add to the agenda for example. The crew then travels their way around the region providing Kick-Off training for the charities. At this time, logistical to-dos are being checked off the charity's list—like creating a profile page on the site and connecting their page to a bank account for donations to be directly deposited. The team creates any content for email communication sent to charities to guide them in the months leading up to GHD, including announcements, contest details, due date reminders, and campaign tips. Members work with the new charities to get them accustomed to the process and refresh returning charities on the same.

This is also when the entire GHD team works together to nail down their messaging for the upcoming campaign. At the same time, the team also works on similar tasks with businesses involved with GHD, like planning Business Lunch & Learns and meeting with fundholders to help with GHD fundraising plans and execution. Some describe the fall as a "rampup time," where content creation and working with agencies to create a general buzz intensify the work. Ad-related projects are worked on at this time to prepare for the oncoming season, like finalizing GHD ads for local media or designing a skyway wrap to promote the event. While training is in full swing, the technology and software updates are beginning to take shape from their initial planning in the summer. With the donor experience at the forefront of their minds, that team will examine the donation portal. "This year, we added two exciting ways to let us know you helped out a charity. Along with monetary donations, you can let us know how you volunteered or donated goods," Matt said. "Hats off to our recently hired Software Developer Jordan Amberg (2023 NDSU graduate), for building the tool. He took ownership and built something awesome."

December-January: Harvest Season Key Focus: Community Mobilization & Operational Readiness

In the harvest season, the team kicks into high gear, ramping up community engagement and finetuning operational plans. This period is a blend of strategic media campaigns planned in the summertime and meticulous planning to ensure a seamless day come February. The T-shirts are arriving, the business kits are being put together, the media charge is full steam ahead, and operational readiness is the focal point of almost everyone on the team. While the fall time is spent training charities, at this point, the team transitions into online public engagement by introducing charities and their missions through brief onsite interviews. The crew is full steam ahead with online strategies including, sharing the many ways to give (through donation, volunteering, and giving goods); promoting how individuals, businesses, and schools can be involved; and in January, pushing out messages on early giving options. Did you know? You don't have to wait until the big day to give! You can donate to any of the charities now on the Giving Hearts Day website at givingheartsday.org!

The team focuses on quality, making sure the GHD site is ready for the high day-of traffic by simulating traffic 10-20 times the amount usually seen on Giving Hearts Day, then they can see any point on the system that shows signs of stress and fix it. The site is locked in by January and then monitored throughout the month, comparing its reports to years prior. Media is at its busiest point of the year at this time—content creation and work with other media partners on content for the promotion of GHD, of course, involves many meetings and follow-ups.

donor questions about ways to give. Monthly learning series sessions for charities, as well as Lunch and Learns for businesses are held, and the team continues meeting with fundholders for GHD plans and execution. At this time, the team begins to prepare dayof volunteers as they get closer to the month of February. There are a lot of to-do lists finding their checks at this time across the team, as well as the start of the allhands-on-deck mentality, meaning if someone has the capacity and means, they might step in to help out with a project.

While the team still crushes through the creation of numerous projects, this is the same time that they begin to check things off their list, creating a mix of stress and satisfaction in completing tasks during this hectic period. The chunk of training is completed, but the team is still working on continued learning for charities and businesses. Members work with new charities to prepare them in all capacities for their first GHD, as well as continuing conversations with returning charities about any differences from past years. They are also answering any

Riley Boese,

Digital and Operations Lead Riley handles social media, digital marketing, and various operations tasks, involving everything from distributing resources to GHD businesses to keeping track of GHD T-shirt inventory. 23

Giving Hearts Day Prep Timeline

February: Crunch Time

Key Focus: Final Preparations & Event Home Stretch

February is the home stretch, where every detail is ironed out before the big day. The team is fully engaged, making sure that all systems are a-go for Giving Hearts Day. The intensity and excitement are palpable, this adrenaline-packed period is full of anticipation and last-minute preparations. But, heads are still down finishing tasks for the day or in the midst of executing media strategies. For some of the crew, February is like a more focused January. The team works to push out those last-minute reminders online, providing messaging for the day's expectations. They also answer questions and provide customer services for charities and donors, while pushing important information out. "[I] send information for the day after Giving Hearts Day that charities need," Jessica said, "such as how to reconcile their donations, how to contact our team with any questions, and encourage them to celebrate their success (and get a nap)!"

"During the 'home stretch' before GHD, my time will be spent making sure all businesses, fundholders, members, and volunteers that I work with have everything they need to thrive the week of and on GHD, as well as any other additional prep-work with our team to make sure GHD runs seamlessly," Development Director Emily Jones said.

Emily Jones,

Development Director As Development Director, Emily leads the management of the charitable giving funds and membership programs. She also assists in charity training, business engagements, and organizational system processes.

Week-of and Day-of Giving Hearts Day Key Focus: Execution & Celebration

The final week is a whirlwind, with the team managing a multitude of tasks, from media interviews to event coordination. On the day of the event, it's a grand celebration of giving and community spirit.

for all the charities to make sure every single question and phone call is answered as quickly as possible. They also monitor questions from the call center related to any donor issues with their gift.

While everyone's day of duties may look different, it's spearheaded by Chief Programs Officer Amanda Sayre.

"My role is basically making sure no question falls through the cracks so that all of the 600 plus charities that participate have the support they need that day, and assist community members who stop by the DMF building to drop off checks for charities."

It's an early kick-off, with the team monitoring the site all day, watching the traffic increase and ensuring that the donations are properly processed. A small army of volunteers helps with entering check donations, coordinating media interviews, keeping everyone fed, and answering the phones. "I am at the office at 6:00 a.m. and crack the first of many energy drinks (an orange Celsius is my go-to), I have a personal mini-fridge stocked with them," Matt said. "I'll be in the office until around 2:30 a.m. Friday morning verifying the results from the day." The team is continuously, eagerly sharing snippets about events and activities both locally and throughout the state, as well as sharing updates on giving numbers as the day goes on. Everyone, donors, charities, and volunteers included, helps to create the excited online voice highlighting the ways the communities are celebrating. The team has points of contact for charities, providing customer service

"My day of duties for GHD have changed from year to year," Emily said. "In the past, I have been a volunteer lead, check entry lead. I also assist with any additional needs that arise." Some of the team is similar to that, having different day-of roles each year, be it helping with social media posts, decorating, or taking photos—while others have more specific duties on the day. This year, some of the team's focus on GHD will be managing the schedule and groups that will be utilizing the atrium stage for interviews, performances, and check presentations. "And, of course, wherever else help is needed!" The team is excited to debut a new addition to the itinerary this year as Giving Hearts Day will have its own TV broadcast through WDAY. This is an exciting new addition to the GHD itinerary, as they usually have parts of

the day streamed, but never before their own segment on a local channel. With this development, comes new duties and even more excitement for the team! This broadcast is a significant component of the day's events, and the team's day will be consumed by the many parts of it, starting early in the morning and continuing until the event's conclusion—ensuring that everything is functioning for the live broadcast so that the viewers can have a real-time look at the showcased event and the work of the charities, donors, businesses, and community involved.

Watch the Giving Hearts Day team share live updates, interviews, and more on February 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. on WDAY!

And, we're back to the beginning, to the day after Giving Hearts Day, with the team meeting at the Dakota Medical Foundation office for cleanup and cheers. They'll prep for the next 12 months to do it all over again, but not without analyzing past successes and challenges, implementing more strategies and updates, and impacting even more charities through this massive giveback. Learn more at givingheartsday.org, follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @givingheartsday, and mark your calendars for Giving Hearts Day 2024 on February 8! 25

By Geneva Nodland

Digital Donations A Fresh, Interactive Approach to Donating and Participating in Giving Hearts Day In an era where digital innovation shapes our everyday interactions, Giving Hearts Day has leaped forward, embracing technology to broaden the horizons of charity and community involvement. It's clear that Giving Hearts Day is not just an event; it's a movement, constantly evolving to meet the needs of a diverse community. 26 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Here, you can see that you can donate monetary funds, volunteer time, or new or used goods to this charity, for example. Not all charities will have each option, but you can filter your results to show you applicable charities to what you'd like to give!

A standout feature in this year's GHD is the introduction of a new tool on their website for donations and tracking giving on the day of the event. This innovative feature transforms the way we can give as well as the way we can visualize giving back to our community. In addition to tracking monetary donations, individuals can now easily locate places to drop off goods and record their donations, as well as record their volunteered time. This tool opens doors for more people to participate in the charity event by offering what they can, be it goods or time, furthering the event's commitment to making charitable acts accessible and straightforward for everyone.

Accompanying this feature is a blend of technology and creativity—a QR code. Once people visit the locations to drop off their donations, they'll see a cute mascot with the code. This isn't just a cute addition; it's a functional tool that allows donors to record their contributions. By scanning the QR code, individuals can proudly register their donations, adding them to the event's growing list of contributions that are immediately updated on the GHD website. So as donations and volunteer time are recorded on the site, the grand total of "giving" that is usually made up of only monetary donations will increase, showcasing all of the different ways to give. This transparent and interactive approach not only acknowledges every form

of giving but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. The timing of this launch is as strategic as it is exciting. Having gone live around the beginning of January, in line with the early giving season, it's a perfect kick-start to a season of generosity. This new feature is more than just a tool; it's a conversation starter, a way to engage the community right from the year's beginning and keep the momentum going through the giving event. As we look ahead, it's clear that these website developments are set to revolutionize the way we engage with charity. Giving Hearts Day is leading the charge, showing us that the future of giving is inclusive, interactive, and innovative! 27

Featured Giving Hearts Day Charities

Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota/ Minnesota

The Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization that takes Veterans to Washington, D.C. free of charge to visit the memorials built in their honor. Mission: To Celebrate America's Veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at the nation's memorials. "Now in our 6th year of participation, Giving Hearts Day has provided Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota tremendous exposure to businesses and members of the community that might not have heard of our mission. In addition, in 2023, GHD donations covered the costs for 86 Veterans to travel to see

Started in 1983, the Great Plains Food Bank is the only food bank in the state of North Dakota and it services the entire state and Clay County, MN. The Great Plains Food Bank works hard each day to recover food that otherwise would go to waste from grocery stores, retailers, manufacturers, and growers and then distributes that food to those in need through a range of direct service programs and a network of 200 partner food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens.

Great Plains Food Bank

Through its mission to end hunger together and through its values of passion, service, and innovation, the Great Plains Food Bank will distribute more than 9.5 million meals to over 144,000 individuals in a single year. Of those 144,000 individuals, 36% are children.

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their memorials. Each trip has over 100 Veterans, and the more donations we can get help cover the costs for all our Veterans." - Veterans Honor Flight Learn more at veteranshonorflightofndmn.org | /veteranshonorflightndmn | @veteranshonorflightof

"Giving Hearts Day is our single biggest giving day of the year and is something we not only look forward to but count on as a crucial piece to help feed hungry neighbors across North Dakota and Clay County, MN. We are so appreciative to those who give from their heart on this special day.” - Melissa Sobolik, Great Plains Food Bank CEO Learn more at greatplainsfoodbank.org | /GreatPlainsFoodBank | @greatplainsfoodbank

By Geneva Nodland

In our community, Giving Hearts Day has become a pivotal event, significantly impacting local and regional charities. Let's meet and hear from a handful of these charities, revealing how this annual day of giving fosters meaningful change!

"We lost Liam on February 1, 2021, to suicide... Liam was an athlete, a Boy Scout, a great student, a kind friend, and a leader... there were no symptoms or red flags. Our hearts are broken, but Liam lived his life big in his short 15 years... and we felt we owed him our energy to carry on his legacy by helping other kids and families avoid the nightmare that we have endured."

4-6-3 Foundation

Through tragedy, hope. Together, the 463 Foundation, Dakota Medical Foundation, and the greater Fargo community; are working to elevate conversations around youth mental health and suicide prevention. Through a focused and proactive effort on working directly with the youth, coaches, parents, teachers, and others in our community, the 463 Foundation is facing head on the mental health and youth suicide epidemic with connection to education, resources, and tools. Together, we can Reduce Stigma, Build Hope, and End Suicide.

Hope Blooms is a budding nonprofit that focuses on the social and emotional well-being of some of our most vulnerable community members who feel forgotten through a beautiful but simple message of “You matter.” Hope Blooms spreads joy and fosters belonging by creating bedside bouquets and delivering them to community members in need, including individuals in hospice care, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and assisted living, memory care centers, shelters, recovery centers, and more.

Hope Blooms

The program is intentionally designed to be accessible to everyone, ensuring that every individual can find joy and fulfillment. They are community builders at heart, who believe small acts of kindness can change the world—and we’re on a mission to do just that.

"Giving Hearts Day is our biggest day of fundraising each year and as an all-volunteer organization, all money raised goes directly to programs and youth-focused initiatives. Giving Hearts Day not only helps us raise the funds needed to offer our talks and resources to schools and organizations for free, but it also brings in volunteers and brings awareness to people in the community that we are here, actively fighting against this epidemic of youth suicide, through our talks, education programs, the Shine the Light Mental Health Film Festival, and the Liam G. Medd Memorial Baseball and Fastpitch Tournament held each year right here in our community." - Elizabeth Medd Learn more at 463foundation.org | / 4 6 3 Foundation

"We help people feel loved, and hopeful and provide much-needed emotional healing in their time of need." "Not every act of kindness needs to be a big, extravagant act, a lot of joy comes from the little surprises. The value of Hope Blooms comes in the moments when people are not asking or expecting it. When you receive joy in this way it hits a lot differently. It feels like it’s serving a layer of our life experience that doesn’t get served in other ways of nonprofit giving." - Brandon Johnson, Hope Blooms Board President Learn more at hopeblooms.org | /hopebloomsnd | @hopebloomsnd

Giving Hearts Day Charities

Jasmin Child Care and Preschool

Valley Senior Services Inc.

Jasmin Child Care and Preschool Center equips kids for academic success and offers quality affordable care for parents working both day and night shifts. Jasmin serves families with kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Jasmin's holistic and culturally honoring approach provides additional support to families coming from diverse backgrounds. Jasmin has served the FM area for over nine years. Through community collaboration, Jasmin strives to serve the FM area community to make a difference in the lives of young children who may have barriers to opportunities that will lead to a successful life.

"Giving Hearts Day has helped Jasmin Child Care and Preschool gain more exposure about our work to the Fargo-Moorhead community. We have also gained many more volunteers. Giving Hearts Day gives us the opportunity to feel a part of this community."

Valley Senior Services (VSS) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors aged 60 and above, empowering them to maintain independence and optimal health within the comfort of their homes. With a history spanning over five decades, VSS provides invaluable services to seniors throughout the Red River Valley. They assist thousands of seniors annually through a range of services, including the delivery of nourishing daily meals via Meals on Wheels or community dining opportunities, fostering social connections and friendships at local senior centers, facilitating transportation to and from appointments, and connecting seniors with vital support resources.

The significance of Giving Hearts Day goes beyond monetary contributions. It serves as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about the necessary services we provide, with a spotlight on Meals on Wheels. We are able to provide Meals on Wheels because of the support from this community. Without the attention Giving Hearts Day brings, this program may not be as successful. This exposure is instrumental in recruiting volunteers who play a pivotal role in delivering meals to our clients. Volunteers not only deliver nutritious meals but also provide vital social interaction for seniors who may be isolated. The personal touch and friendly visits contribute to the overall well-being of the recipients as well as a wellness check!"

"Giving Hearts Day is a true blessing to Valley Senior Services. Over the years, this event has proven to be a lifeline, opening doors to new opportunities for the seniors we serve by ensuring financial support for our mission. This critical support allows us to extend care to seniors who, due to financial constraints, may not otherwise have access to the services they require.

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- Sky Purdin, Jasmin Child Care and Preschool Development Director Learn more at jasminchildcare.org | /jasminchildcare | @jasminchildcareandpreschool

- Paul Grindeland, Executive Director Valley Senior Services Learn more at valleyseniorservices.org | /ValleySeniorServices

Giving Hearts Day Charities

Plains Art Museum (PAM) began as the Red River Art Center in 1965 in what is now the Rourke Art Museum + Gallery, Moorhead, MN. PAM acquired its present name in 1975 and moved to its current home in downtown Fargo in 1997. Plains Art Museum is the only accredited art museum in the state of North Dakota, a status granted to only 3% of museums across the nation. Since 2017, Plains Art Museum has been general admission FREE as part of its commitment to accessibility.

Plains Art Museum

Fargo Moorhead Opera

The Museum serves the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo metro, numerous rural communities throughout eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota, and many national and international visitors through an ambitious roster of exhibitions, programs, and events. PAM offers 12-24 major and smaller exhibitions each year. These exhibitions primarily feature art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Museum also offers many community classes, including ceramics, printmaking, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and more. Plains Art Museum has strong educational programming with programs specific for families, established artists, beginner artists, indigenous youth, people with Autism, rural teachers and their students, and more. PAM is a community art museum that is committed to the idea that art is for everyone.

The mission of the Fargo Moorhead Opera is to enrich the region with distinctive, exceptional artistic programming that will engage and excite audiences of all ages. "Fargo-Moorhead Opera not only entertains the region with the best in theatrical presentations, but it also sets out to partner with community leaders, educators, other professionals, and affiliate organizations to make the community

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"Being involved in Giving Hearts Day for Plains Art Museum has been extremely important to our success and our ability to contribute back to the area in a way that focuses on our mission of fostering creative, resilient, and welcoming communities. Each gift helps us continue this mission and allows everyone who donates to also be a part of the success story. Because of our donors, we have not only been able to stay admission-free, but we have continuously been able to fund other crucial initiatives, expand our educational programs, and enhance the overall experience at the Museum for the FM community and beyond. We also strive to be a resource for the community in being a safe place for our visitors to think, learn, and be themselves. It’s an important part of our space in the downtown atmosphere and we appreciate all the support day to day, especially on Giving HeARTs Day." - Kyla Hoisington, Development Coordinator Plains Art Museum Learn more at plainsart.org | /plainsartmuseum | @plainsartmuseum

better by integrating the arts. The arts serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, helping everyone articulate and communicate in better ways, promoting progress, empathy, and education." - Curt Olds, General Director FM Opera Learn more at fmopera.org | @fmopera

Homeward Animal Shelter Homeward Animal Shelter is a local and community-funded, nonprofit animal shelter. Its mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.” It provides a second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered animals and educates the community in the proper, loving, and kind treatment of animals. Homeward Animal Shelter is committed to preventing animal overpopulation and spays/neuters all animals 6 months or older before adoption. Since its inception in 1966, Homeward Animal Shelter has placed over 41,000 animals in lifelong homes. "Participating in Giving Hearts Day (GHD) through the years has given us a wonderful opportunity to be part of an incredible day of giving. Each year, we reach new members of our community and region, allowing us to raise funds to continue to provide loving care for over 1,000 animals. Thank you, Dakota Medical Foundation and GHD donors!” - Tasha Haug, Executive Director Homeward Animal Shelter Learn more at homewardonline.org | /HomewardAnimalShelter | @homewardanimalshelter

Giving Hearts Day Charities The Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley is a nonprofit organization based in North Dakota that works to provide essential household furniture and items, at no cost, to individuals and families facing challenging times.

Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley

Operating as a faith-based organization, the Furniture Mission, which was founded in 2020 by Evert Van Engelenhoven, specializes in facilitating access to furniture for households in crisis or undergoing significant life challenges. Their work involves collecting gently used furniture donations and then re-gifting these items to people who are in the process of rebuilding their lives. Essential items such as beds, dressers, and lamps, which are fundamental in setting up a home, form a significant part of their donations. In order to ensure that the most in-need people are getting access to their donations, the

Memory loss can be devastating for all parties involved. For the affected, life can become confusing and isolating. For their loved ones it often seems hopeless, but it doesn't have to be thanks to the Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley, the only place in the metro for members of the memory loss community to gather in a safe, welcoming environment.

Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley

"There is a lot of talk about inclusiveness these days, but up until now, those discussions haven't included people in the memory loss community," said Executive Director of the Memory Cafe Deb Kaul, who co-founded the organization due to her own parents dealing with memory disease. "There are 1000s of people living with memory loss in Fargo-Moorhead. The fact that the Memory Cafe is here is so important for people's well-being and mental health. As a society, we often write people off who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

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Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley works with 40 other agencies in our community. These agencies are also walking alongside people as they navigate a lot of really challenging situations, including homelessness and domestic violence situations. "There are a lot of different situations that these people are coming from," said Jordan McCormick, the Furniture Mission's Executive Director and only employee. "The common denominator is that these individuals and families are completely starting over. Inventory is always a challenge so we might not have something that everybody needs, but we're here to help people with the basic necessities so they can get back on their feet." Learn more at furnituremissionrrv.org | /Furnituremissionrrv

But we're here to show how it is possible to fully live with this disease. We’re not sugar-coating the disease but we create many moments of joy for our participants during every gathering. We have a lot of fun together!” The organization does this by allowing memoryimpaired individuals and their loved ones to meet new friends and learn new skills. "It's not just for the people experiencing impairment," Kaul said. "It's also for their loved ones. If you come to Memory Cafe we will help equip you with the skills you need to truly be there for your loved one.” Learn more at memorycafeofrrv.org | /memorycafeoftherrv | @memorycafe_rrv

Farm in the Dell, based out of Moorhead, is a nonprofit organization with a compelling and compassionate mission. This organization is dedicated to enhancing the emotional, physical, and spiritual lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. At the heart of Farm in the Dell's mission is the transformative idea of turning disabilities into abilities. To do this, they provide employment to individuals with developmental disabilities in a farm setting. These employment opportunities are not just jobs; they are a means to empower, uplift, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging to those who are often marginalized in society.

Farm in the Dell

The organization extends its impact through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and participation in local farmer's markets. Located in Moorhead, MN, Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley provides CSA services to the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area, selling a variety of produce like tomatoes, peppers, corn, and dozens of other garden produce items. This program not only offers employment to individuals with special needs but also connects the community to locally grown, fresh produce.

"We work closely with local families and agencies to connect individuals with purposeful work that fills their spirits, sharpens their minds, and cultivates joy," said Executive Director

Learn more at farminthedellrrv.org | /farminthedellrrv | @farminthedellrrv

4 Luv of Dog Rescue, based in Fargo, North Dakota, is a remarkable example of communitydriven efforts in animal welfare. Established in 2005, this entirely volunteer-run non-profit organization is dedicated to the cause of rescuing and rehoming dogs. The organization primarily serves the upper Midwest.

with dogs being cared for in foster homes or at local boarding facilities. This approach not only provides a more home-like environment for the dogs but also helps in better assessing their behavior and needs in a family setting. This system is complemented by a facility in Moorhead, Minnesota, which is used for emergency-only housing for dogs until a foster home becomes available.

The Rescue receives no government funding and relies entirely on grants, fundraising, and generous donations from the community to provide care for all of the dogs in its rescue. A volunteer-run organization devoted to rescuing and rehoming dogs, 4 Luv of Dog Rescue does not discriminate against breed, age, or disability. "We are nothing without our community," Fundraising Coordinator Savanna Leach said.

4 Luv of Dog

Anna Sather. "At the farm, our employees find space to discover their abilities and explore their passions."

A unique aspect of 4 Luv of Dog Rescue is its operational model. Unlike many animal shelters, it does not maintain a traditional shelter facility. Instead, it operates on a foster-based system,

Potential adopters can meet dogs either by becoming approved to adopt or by attending an organization-hosted event. This process ensures that the dogs are placed in homes that are best suited for their individual needs. Most of the dogs are in foster homes, and the organization respects the time and commitment of its foster volunteers by arranging meetings with approved adopters only. Learn more at 4luvofdog.org | /4LuvOfDogRescue | @4luvofdogrescue

Giving Hearts Day Charities

The Great North Pole

Fix it Forward Ministry

The Great North Pole's main focus is providing warm winter gear needed by students in the area so that they can better engage in their school programs. Many students in the area live within a 2-mile radius of the school they go to, which makes many of them ineligible for bus transportation to and from school—this requires them to walk.

"The Great North Pole's Mission is to help children and families in need in Cass and Clay County," Thorton said. "Our goal is to bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to every household we touch. We are able to do this through our generous donors, national and local corporate sponsorships, other local nonprofits, and hundreds of volunteers from our community."

"Considering the average morning temperatures from November 2022 to March 2023 fell in the teens to below zero and that the local area averages four to twelve blizzards per year, having high-quality winter wear is a necessity to get to and from school and to be able to participate in activities like recess," said Great North Pole Executive Director Shannon Thornton. As temperatures decline, so does attendance. Often, this is due to families who are at or below the poverty level not having the financial resources to outfit their children or themselves properly to make the daily walk to and from school."

One of the Great North Poles' key initiatives is their Helpful Holiday Boxes. These boxes help to subsidize families' monthly expenses for basic needs items in the month of December to help bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to every household they touch. These boxes often include warm winter gear, pantry items, personal and household basic needs products, and supplies.

Fix It Forward Ministry, originally founded under the name Higher Power Automotive Ministries by high school friends and car enthusiasts Matthew Carlson and Jeremy Jensen in 2015, is a charitable organization dedicated to providing free auto repairs and car donations to members of the Fargo-Moorhead community in need. Many residents, particularly single parents, face challenges in getting to work, school, or appointments without a personal vehicle. By repairing vehicles for free and donating cars to those without one, Fix It Forward Ministry aims to remove transportation barriers and foster independence and self-sufficiency in the community.

something meaningful and we each have different and unique skill sets. This is how we can help."

"We were both working at Microsoft when Matthew came up to me while we were getting something to drink with the idea to fix cars for people in need—that's kind of how it all started," Jensen said. "We're all created in God's image and I think part of that image is helping others. Everyone is called to do

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Learn more at thegreatnorthpole.org | /theGreatNorthPole | @thegreatnorthpole

From there, Carlson and Jensen reached out to the YWCA and asked if any of their clients could use help with car repairs. They responded with "absolutely," and let Jensen and Carlson know that the number one problem they were unable to solve for people was transportation. So that's where they started. From there, it only took a year and a half before people were donating cars to them. Fix it Foward Ministry is largely supported by Fix it Forward Auto Care a for-profit repair shop founded by Matthew Carlson in 2018. Learn more at fixitforwardministry.com | /fixitforwardministry | @fixitforwardministry

FARGO INC! SNEAK PEEK he adage 'It takes a village to raise a child' underscores the importance of community. However, a more encompassing perspective is that it takes a village to build a community itself. To shape the world according to our aspirations, we must collectively strive to enhance every aspect of our community. This involves nurturing our children with love and extending support to our neighbors. In our sister magazine, Fargo INC!, we feature conversations with various entrepreneurs and organizations to explore the nonprofits and causes they endorse. Our aim is to highlight the commendable efforts underway across the metro area, enhancing its quality of life. We also hope to inspire our readers to support organizations that might not have been on their radar previously. Check out this sneck peek!

SERVING WITH PURPOSE

D J Colter

S Josiah Kopp 40 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

ome people in the community just go above and beyond—DJ Colter is one of those people. Raised in a family of educators, Colter initially followed in his parents' footsteps but soon discovered his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to a successful career in insurance, real estate, and a host of other business endeavors. However, those personal pursuits don't keep him from making a deep impact in the community he has come to love.

By Brady Drake

From Teaching to Business "I should have gotten a business degree," Colter said. "My parents were both teachers so that's what I took in school. I went to Montana and I was mainly there to play football. So, I got the teaching degree."

if I didn't like it, there could be possible management opportunities due to potential expansion into Montana," Colter said. "My goal was to eventually get back to Montana, but 20 years later, here I am."

From there, Colter went out to the Portland area, met his wife, who was born in North Dakota and went to college in North Dakota, and began teaching. It took a few years for him to find his new path.

Colter stayed in the Fargo area for a host of reasons, but the thing that first set him on the path towards staying was a book he read called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad."

"I just got back here and was pheasant hunting during Christmas break in 2003 and the territory manager with American Family Insurance had this opening in Fargo and they asked if I wanted to try it. And they told me that

"That book taught me how money worked," Colter said. "Back then, you could buy a rental with almost 100% financing, so I bought a rental property over by Concordia College. From there, I started selling insurance and got into some other real estate stuff."

By 2010, Colter was well on his way to his goal of owning 10 businesses—he owned 8, including Mr. Fields Cookies in the mall. "I was close to my goal, but I realized I was spreading myself too thin," Colter said. "I realized it's better to swim in deep waters with a few things instead of shallow waters with a lot of things. So, I sold out on a bunch of companies between 2011 and 2014 until I had just three, and the insurance agency really took off and I was able to start buying locations and we became one of the bigger Am-Fam agencies in the Midwest."

The Importance of Giving According to Colter, the success of his business and the spirit of giving are tied at the hip.

to do it for business either. I have never asked someone I have served with or for their business—it just happens."

"I probably have a different marketing concept than a lot of people in the sense that I've really tried to just help people," Colter said. "I kind of go by the Givers Gain concept from the book 'Givers Gain: The BNI Story.' I've tried to serve on a lot of boards and serve in a lot of different ways—I have been blessed tenfold. It's amazing. I don't try

"I'm probably like this because I was raised by teachers," Colter said. "My dad taught me how to be a servant leader. My dad was a school superintendent in a small town and I remember my dad going over and watering the football field in the summer. He didn't need to do that—he was the superintendent. He would get to the school early in the

morning and make breakfast for all his janitors and all his staff. I watched him serve and not talk about it."

CONTINUED

About DJ Colter Agency

DJ Colter Agency is an insurance agency foucisng on auto, home, business, farm, and life that represents American Family Insurance and many other companies. They have locations in Fargo, Grand Forks, Rugby, and Cando and are licensed in 30+ states.

The Importance of Giving The YMCA Of Cass & Clay Counties "I serve on the board for the YMCA. The President of the board asked if I would serve on it and I originally said no because I know how important the work they do is and I wanted to make sure I had enough time to do the job the right way. Thankfully, they made it work for me. The YMCA helps so many people in the region with childcare and fitness and I'm proud to be a part of it." ymcacassclay.org

YoungLife "Another board I serve on is YoungLife. My good friend Jason Boutwell asked me to join that board. There are a lot of kids that don't have a lot of support and YoungLife is a great organization that gives support to young people. My two daughters went to their Castaway Club camp in the summer and they didn't want to leave. There aren't a lot of opportunities anymore for kids to go to things like this where they can make this level of connection with others. So I serve there because it has been amazing to my kids." younglife.org

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Horace Lions Club "They just do things for kids. They take all the money they raise and give it to kids organizations in the area." /horacelions

Horace Hawks Booster Club "I'm really excited to serve on the Horace Booster Club, which helps raise funds so that kids in grades 6-12 can be involved in activities that are crucial for their development." horacehawksboosters.ocm

Valley Christian Counseling Center "I also serve on the board for Valley Christian Counseling Center, which I'm really proud of. Mental health is a huge thing. It's awesome to see all of the families who support Valley financially and it makes us realize that we all need help physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually." valleychristiancounselingcenter.com

Fellowship of Christian Athletes "I'm also on the board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is really near and dear to my heart. What Nate Safe has done with that organization is amazing. That organization has helped so many kids and coaches in our region and it's just exploding. Sports have always been a love for me and I was blessed to recieve a scholarship that payed for my college." fca.org

Emergency Food Pantry "I used to be on the board for the Emergency Food Pantry and that is such a great organization. I tell people to go down there and serve once. If you do, you'll see the need that is there immediately. You'll also see how lucky and blessed you are. They make $1 go so far—it's amazing." emergencyfoodpantry.com

Charities

Giving Hearts Day

The Full List of

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1) 31:8 Project 2) 4 Luv of Dog Rescue 3) 4-H Foundation of North Dakota 4) A Moment of Freedom 5) A Place For Hope: Recovery and Wellness Center & Food Shelf 6) A Wife Like Me 7) Abused Adult Resource Center 8) Adapt Music, Inc. 9) Adult & Teen Challenge, North Dakota 10) Alpha Opportunities, Inc. 11) Altru Family YMCA 12) Altru Health Foundation 13) Alzheimer's Association 14) American Cancer Society North Dakota/Minnesota 15) American Diabetes Association - North Dakota 16) American Foundation for SuicidePrevention North Dakota Chapter - AFSP 17) American Gold Gymnastics 18) American Heroes Outdoors 19) American Red Cross 20) Amistad Worldwide 21) Anne Carlsen Center 22) AO1 Foundation 23) Arthritis Foundation of North Dakota 24) Assumption Abbey 25) Audubon Great Plains 26) Badlands Ministries 27) Barnesville Area Community Fund 28) Benedictine Living Community - Crookston: Benedictine Villa St. Vincent and Benedictine The Summit 29) Benedictine Living Community Dickinson (formerly St. Benedict's Health Center) 30) Benedictine Living Community Wahpeton 31) Best Friends Mentoring Program 32) Bethany Retirement Living 33) Bethel Lutheran Foundation 34) BIO Girls 35) Birthright of FargoMoorhead 36) Bis-Man Mentor Squad, formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters 37) Bismarck-Mandan Young Life

38) Bismarck Art & Galleries Association 39) Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation 40) Bismarck Global Neighbors 41) Bismarck Hockey Boosters 42) Bismarck Public Schools Foundation 43) Bismarck State College Foundation 44) Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra 45) Blazin' Saddles 46) Box of Balloons - Fargo 47) Boy Scouts of America, Northern Lights Council 48) Boys & Girls Club of the Perham Area 49) Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley 50) Boys and Girls Clubs of Detroit Lakes 51) Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation 52) Brave the Shave 53) Bridging the Dental Gap 54) Bridging the Gap 55) Camp Bentley 56) Camp Joy 57) Camp of the Cross Ministries 58) Camp ReCreation 59) CAPLP Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership 60) Capstone Classical Academy 61) Care and Share of Crookston, Inc 62) Caring Hearts Community Resource Centers, Inc. 63) Cass County North Dakota Historical Society Bonanzaville 64) Cass County Rural Community Emergency Food Pantry, Inc. 65) Cathedral Elementary School 66) Catholic Charities North Dakota 67) Cats Cradle Shelter, Inc. 68) CCRI, Inc. 69) Central Cass Dollars for Scholars 70) Central Cass Treehouse 71) Central Dakota Children's Choir 72) Central Dakota Humane Society 73) Centre, Inc.

List is subject to change 74) Chahinkapa Zoo 75) Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates 76) CHI Friendship 77) CHI Health at Home - HOSPICE 78) CHI Mercy Health Foundation 79) Child Evangelism Fellowship of North Dakota 80) Christ the King Catholic Montessori School 81) Christian Adoption Services 82) Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Ministry 83) Church of St. Joseph Montessori School and School of the Holy Family 84) Churches United for the Homeless 85) Circle of Friends Animal Shelter 86) Clay County Fair & Agricultural Association 87) Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford 88) Community Living Services, Inc 89) Community of Care 90) Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) 91) Concordia College 92) Cooperstown Bible Camp 93) Cooperstown Medical Center Foundation 94) Cross Training 95) Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry (MSUM) Minnesota State University Moorhead 96) Cru Northern Plains Campuses (Western, Central, and Northern ND) 97) Crystal Springs Camp 98) Cullen Children's Foundation 99) Cultural Diversity Resources 100) Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota 101) Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch 102) Dakota Children's Advocacy Center 103) Dakota Estates 104) Dakota Hope Clinic 105) Dakota Zoo 106) Dare 2 Stand Out 107) Dear NICU Mama 108) Designer Genes of North Dakota 109) Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Inc. 110) Devils Lake Public Schools Development Fund 111) Diamond in the Ruff Pet Rescue 112) DLCCC Inc.

113) Down Home 114) Dream Center Bismarck 115) Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota 116) Easter Seals Goodwill ND, Inc. 117) Eastern North Dakota Synod, ELCA 118) Elks Camp Grassick 119) Emergency Food Pantry 120) Emerging Prairie 121) Empire Arts Center 122) Empowering Kids 123) Enchanted Highway Foundation 124) Essentia Health Fargo Foundation 125) Essentia Health-St. Mary's Foundation (Detroit Lakes) 126) Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice 127) Eventide Foundation 128) Excellerate 129) F-M Coalition to End Homelessness 130) F5 Project 131) FaHoCha Bible Camp 132) Fair Meadow Foundation 133) Faith in Action Health Coalition 134) Family HealthCare 135) Family Voices of North Dakota 136) Family Wellness 137) Fargo Air Museum 138) Fargo All Stars Family 139) Fargo Angels Youth Hockey 140) Fargo Area Sports 141) Fargo Elim 142) Fargo Memorial Honor Guard 143) Fargo Moorhead Ballet FMBallet 144) Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT) 145) Fargo Park District Foundation 146) Fargo Post 2 Baseball 147) Fargo Public Schools Foundation Critical Needs for Emergency Lunch, Milk, Snack, & Basic Needs 148) Fargo Youth Hockey Association 149) Fargo-Moorhead Opera 150) Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum 151) Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra 152) Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley 153) Farm Rescue 154) Fathers Farm 155) Feed My Starving Children FargoPack

156) Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA 157) First Care Health Center - Park River 158) First Care Medical Services Foundation 159) FirstLink 160) Fix It Forward Ministry, Inc. 161) FM Raise Your Spirits 162) Fraser, Ltd. 163) Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. 164) Friends of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. 165) Friends of the Children FargoMoorhead 166) Friends of the Moorhead Library 167) Friends of the West Fargo Public Library 168) Frost Fire Park / Pembina Gorge Foundation 169) Full Circle Academy 170) Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley 171) Furry Friends Rockin' Rescue 172) GiGi's Playhouse Fargo 173) Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons 174) Gladys Ray Shelter 175) Global Friends Coalition 176) Golden Drive Homeless Kids 177) Good Samaritan Society Lakota 178) Good Samaritan Society - Park River 179) Gooseberry Park Players 180) Grace and Grit: Health and Healing Thru Horse-Human Partnerships 181) Grace Lutheran School 182) Grand Forks County Historical Society 183) Grand Forks Foundation for Education 184) Grand Forks Growth & Support Center (GFGSC) 185) Grand Forks Parks & Rec Foundation | Grand Forks Park District 186) Grand Forks Public Library Foundation 187) Grand Forks Senior Center 188) Great Plains Food Bank 189) Great Plains Harmony 190) Greater Grand Forks Cru 191) Greater Minot Concerts 192) Growing Hope in Pembina County 193) Guardian Angels Inc. 194) Gymagic Gymnastics

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The Full List of giving hearts day charities

195) Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights 196) Haiti Eye Mission 197) Haley's Hope 198) Handi-Wheels Transportation 199) Harvest Hope Farm 200) Haven 201) HC Community Care Center & Food Pantry 202) Headwaters Animal Shelter 203) Health Resources Center Detroit Lakes 204) Health Resources Center Fergus Falls 205) Heart of Clay 206) HEART Program 207) Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe 208) HeartSprings 209) Heartview Foundation Bismarck 210) Heartview Foundation Dickinson 211) Heartview Foundation Cando 212) Heavens Helpers Soup Cafe, Closet (701) & Repurpose Store 213) HERO - Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization 214) Heroes Compass 215) Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 216) Hip Hop and Hope 217) Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County 218) Home Builders Care of FargoMoorhead Foundation 219) Home On The Range 220) Homeward Animal Shelter 221) Hope Blooms 222) Hope Center 223) HOPE, Inc. 224) Hospice of the Red River Valley 225) House of Manna 226) Humane Society of the Lakes 227) Immigrant Development Center's International Market Plaza 228) Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota 229) Inspiration Point Christian Camp + Retreat Center 230) Inspiring Minds, Center for Dyslexia and Literacy 231) Jacobson Memorial Hospital Foundation

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232) Jail Chaplains (Peace Officer/Jail Chaplains Association) 233) James River Humane Society 234) James River Senior Citizens, Inc. & Public Transit 235) James Valley Youth For Christ - YFC 236) Jamestown Community Foundation 237) Jamestown Dollars for Scholars 238) Jamestown Fine Arts Association 239) Jamestown Gymnastics Club 240) Jamestown Parks and Recreation Foundation 241) Jamestown Regional Medical Center Foundation 242) Jamestown Rural Fire Department 243) Jamestown United Way 244) Jasmin Child Care and Preschool 245) Jeremiah Program FargoMoorhead 246) Jessy's Toy Box 247) Journey Home Animal Rescue 248) Junior Achievement 249) Kaidra’s Good Vibe Tribe Foundation 250) Kamp KACE 251) Kicks Band of Fargo Moorhead 252) KIDSon Cares 253) Kitty City 254) Kritter Krazy- Reptile and Exotic Rescue 255) Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity - Fargo Moorhead Area 256) Lake Agassiz Wind Symphony 257) Lake Region Healthcare Foundation 258) Lake Region Public Library Foundation 259) Lakes Crisis & Resource Center 260) Landon's Light Foundation 261) Learn 'n Move Childcare 262) Legacy Children's Foundation 263) Lend A Hand Up 264) Life 97.9 - KFNW-FM 265) Light of Christ Catholic Schools

266) Lighthouse Church of Fargo Recovery Services 267) Linton Regional Medical Center Foundation 268) Lost and Found Recovery Center 269) Love Your Buns 270) Lutheran Brethren Seminary 271) Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) 272) Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota | LSS Meals 273) Lutheran Sunset Home 274) M3 275) Main Street Living 276) Make-A-Wish North Dakota 277) Martin Luther School 278) Master Chorale of Fargo Moorhead 279) Master's Heart Ministries 280) Matthew 25 Project 281) Matthew's Voice Project 282) Mayville State University Foundation 283) Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley 284) Metro Sports Foundation 285) Mind Shift 286) Ministry On The Margins 287) Minn-Kota PAAWS 288) Minnesota Flyers Gymnastics & Fitness 289) Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) Foundation 290) Minot Area Men's Winter Refuge 291) Minot Youth For Christ 292) Missouri Slope Foundation 293) Missouri Valley Family YMCA 294) Moorhead Athletes in Action 295) Moorhead Baseball Stadium – Matson Field 296) Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation 297) Moorhead Police Athletics and Activities League 298) Moorhead Youth Hockey Association 299) MSA United Way Emergency Homeless Shelter 300) National Buffalo Museum 301) National Kidney Foundation Serving the Dakotas 302) National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter 303) ND Assistive 304) NDSU Bison Strides Equine Assisted Services Program

List is subject to change 305) Nelson County Health Services Foundation (NCHSF) 306) New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment 307) New Life Center 308) Nexus-PATH Family Healing (formerly PATH North Dakota) 309) Nokomis at First Lutheran Church 310) Nome Eweniversity 311) Norman County Developmental Activities Center 312) North Country Food Bank 313) North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) 314) North Dakota Association of the Blind 315) North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. 316) North Dakota Dental Foundation 317) North Dakota Family Alliance 318) North Dakota Farm Bureau Foundation 319) North Dakota FFA Foundation 320) North Dakota Museum of Art 321) North Dakota Petroleum Foundation 322) North Dakota Safety Council 323) North Dakota Skateboarding Association 324) North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Foundation 325) North Dakota State University School of Nursing 326) North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation 327) North Dakota United Foundation 328) North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Foundation 329) North Dakota's Gateway to Science 330) North Star Manor 331) Northern Lights Arts Council 332) Northern Plains Dance 333) Northland Christian Counseling Center 334) Northland Health Centers 335) Northlands Rescue Mission 336) Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA 337) Northwood Deaconess Health Center 338) Oak Grove Lutheran School 339) Open Door Center 340) Optometric Foundation of North Dakota 341) Otter Cove Children's Museum 342) Outdoor Adventure Foundation

343) Park Christian School 344) Park River Lutheran Bible Camp 345) Pathways Inc. 346) Peace Academy 347) Pembina County Memorial Hospital Foundation 348) People's Rising Academy with the Garden of Healing Program 349) Perham Center for the Arts 350) Plains Art Museum 351) Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports 352) Prairie Harvest Mental Health 353) Prairie Public Broadcasting 354) Pray for Gray 355) Presentation Partners in Housing (PPiH) 356) Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota 357) Professional Lunch 358) Project Ignite Light 359) Pulse 360) Ramsey County Fair Foundation 361) Rape and Abuse Crisis Center 362) REACH- Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters 363) Rebuilding Together FargoMoorhead Area 364) Red Lake Rosie's Rescue 365) Red River AMBUCS 366) Red River Children's Advocacy Center 367) Red River Dance & Performing Company 368) Red River Human Services Foundation 369) Red River Infinity Volleyball 370) Red River Market Fund by Folkways 371) Red River Valley Community Action 372) Red River Valley Dental Access Project 373) Red River Valley Fair Foundation 374) Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity 375) Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band 376) Red River Youth for Christ 377) Red River Zoo 378) Red Willow Ministries 379) Redemption Road Ministries 380) Relate Care Clinic, formerly Women's Pregnancy Center 381) Richland-Wilkin Emergency Food Pantry 382) Richland-Wilkin Kinship 383) Riverside Christian School 384) RiverView Foundation

385) Robert E. Asker Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center for Children - Bismarck 386) Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck, ND 387) Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley 388) Royal Family Kids Camp Fargo - A Ministry of River City Church 389) Ruth's Food Cart, a ministry of First Congregational UCC Moorhead 390) Sacred Heart Foundation - East Grand Forks, MN 391) Safe Alternatives for Abused Families (SAAF) 392) Sakakawea Medical Center Foundation 393) Salvation Army BismarckMandan 394) Salvation Army FargoMoorhead 395) Salvation Army Grand Forks 396) Salvation Army Minot 397) Salvation Army Williston 398) Sanford Fargo Hospice 399) Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center 400) Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center 401) Scottish Rite Language Center - Fargo 402) Scruffy Tails Humane Society 403) SENDCAA 404) Service Dogs for America 405) ShareHouse 406) Shiloh Christian School 407) Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park 408) Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation 409) SMP Health - Ave Maria (formerly known as Ave Maria Village) 410) SMP Health - Maryhill 411) SMP Health-St. Catherine 412) Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals 413) Soroptimist of the Red River Valley 414) Soul 57 415) Soul Solutions Recovery Center 416) Southeast Senior Services Meals on Wheels 417) Special Olympics North Dakota 418) Spirit Room 419) St Vincent de Paul Society-Holy Spirit Church Fargo 420) St. Alphonsus School 421) St. Ann's Indian Mission 422) St. Bernard’s School

Continued> 47

The Full List of giving hearts day charities

423) St. Francis Healthcare and Wellness Foundation 424) St. Gerard's Community of Care 425) St. Gianna & Pietro Molla Maternity Home 426) St. John Paul II Catholic Schools 427) St. John's Academy 428) St. John's Catholic School 429) St. Joseph Catholic School - Devils Lake 430) St. Joseph's School Moorhead 431) St. Joseph's Social Care 432) St. Mary's Catholic School 433) St. Michael's Catholic Church and School - Grand Forks 434) St. Michael's School, Mahnomen 435) St. Paul's Newman Center bisonCatholic 436) State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation 437) Summer Performing Arts Company 438) Sunrise Foundation Inc. 439) Tellegacy 440) The ALS Association 441) The Arc of Cass County 442) The Capital Gallery Society 443) The GOD'S CHILD Project 444) The Great North Pole 445) The Jamestown Salvation Army 446) The Lotus Center, Inc. 447) The PACC 448) The Perry Center Maternity Home 449) The Royal District 450) The Village Family Service Center 451) Theatre B 452) Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation 453) Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 454) Third Street Clinic 455) Three Rivers Crisis Center 456) TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics 457) Tobacco Free North Dakota 458) Tracy's Sanctuary House 459) Tri-City United Soccer Club 460) Trollwood Performing Arts School 461) True North Church - TNC YTH Program

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462) Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue 463) UC HOPE 464) UND - University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation 465) undCatholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center 466) United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area 467) Unity Medical Center Foundation 468) University of Jamestown 469) University of Mary 470) Unseen 471) Upper Missouri Ministries 472) Valley Christian Counseling Center 473) Valley City State University Foundation 474) Valley Lake Boy's Home, Inc. 475) Valley Senior Living 476) Valley Senior Services Inc.Meals On Wheels 477) Veterans Honor Flight of ND/ MN 478) Victory Christian School 479) Vineyard 2nd Generation 480) Vocational Training Center 481) Walcott Veteran's Memorial 482) Water Works SEA, Inc. 483) WE R Furr 484) Welcome House, Inc. 485) Wellspring for the World 486) West Fargo Area Education Foundation 487) West Fargo Eats 488) West Fargo Events 489) West Fargo Parks and Recreation Foundation 490) West River Health Services Foundation 491) Western North Dakota Honor Flight 492) Williston Community Builders 493) Williston Trinity Christian School 494) Women's Care Center Bismarck 495) Women's Care Center Fargo/Moorhead/Devils Lake 496) Women's Fund 497) YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties 498) Young Life Cass Clay, ND27 499) Young Life Grand Forks, ND30 500) Youthworks 501) YWCA Cass Clay

502) Zach's Foundation

Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) Funds 503) DMF - 3 BOYS Fund 504) DMF - 4-6-3 Foundation 505) DMF - Al and Sharon Carlson Family Fund 506) DMF - All Children Embraced (ACE) Endowment Fund 507) DMF - Allan & Judy Dragseth Family Fund 508) DMF - Ben's Helping Hand Fund 509) DMF - Benton's Hope Fund 510) DMF - Care Seats 511) DMF - Casselton Community Medical Foundation Fund 512) DMF - Child Sexual Abuse Prevention 513) DMF - Christine Butler Mullen Endowment Fund for Children 514) DMF - Crosses for Cameron 515) DMF - Dakota Sleep Society 516) DMF - Deutsch Family Fund 517) DMF - Doug and Sally Larsen Family Fund 518) DMF - Doug Anderson Family Fund 519) DMF - Dr. David and Janice Glatt Family Fund 520) DMF - Dr. Fadel and Heidi Nammour Family Fund 521) DMF - Dr. Kevin and Jean Melicher Family Fund 522) DMF - Dr. Lance and Ruth Bergstrom Family Fund 523) DMF - Dr. Walter and Renee Johnson Family Fund 524) DMF - Drs. Hope Yongsmith and Christian Albano Family Fund 525) DMF - Duchsherer Family Endowment Fund 526) DMF - E and S Fund 527) DMF - Enough with the Stigma 528) DMF - G.R.O.M.: Giving Real Opportunities to the Mobility Challenged Endowment Fund 529) DMF - Garrity Family Fund 530) DMF - God's Work Endowment Fund 531) DMF - Goldmark Fund 532) DMF - Hauge Memorial Fund

List is subject to change 533) DMF - Haugen-Thorne Family Endowment Fund 534) DMF – Health and Wellbeing Fund 535) DMF - Healthy Living Bike Fund 536) DMF - Heat Transfer Warehouse Healthy Community Fund 537) DMF - Henrik's Heroes Fund 538) DMF - Impact Institute Fund 539) DMF - Jeromy Brown Family Fund 540) DMF - Jim Holdman Impact Institute Fund 541) DMF - Jon & Sandi Strinden Family Fund 542) DMF - Justin's Break the Silence Fund 543) DMF - Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Fund 544) DMF – Kesselring Family Fund 545) DMF - Kevin and Courtney Ritterman Family Fund 546) DMF - Kid's Health Fund 547) DMF - Larry and Julie Leitner Family Fund 548) DMF - Lenertz Family Health Fund 549) DMF - Little Black Dress and Tie for MS 550) DMF - Live Like Rach Fund 551) DMF - Mack V. Traynor, MD Endowment Fund 552) DMF - Marv Bossart Parkinson's Foundation Fund 553) DMF - Matto Foundation 554) DMF - Mike & Peggy Bullinger Family Endowment Fund 555) DMF - Mike and Patty Evans Family Fund 556) DMF - Mission Physician Fund 557) DMF - Norberg Family Fund 558) DMF - North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Endowment Fund 559) DMF - Novak Family Fund 560) DMF - Pam Solseng Ovarian Cancer Endowment Fund 561) DMF - Paul Finstad Legacy Endowment Fund 562) DMF - Phil and Dianna Hansen Family Fund 563) DMF - Recovery Reinvented Fund 564) DMF - Rick and Tracy Berg Family Fund 565) DMF - Rob & Leanne Jordahl Family Giving Fund 566) DMF - Robert G. Rogers, MD Scholarship Endowment Fund

567) DMF - Robert M. Arusell and Janelle C. Sanda Fund 568) DMF - Rod & Diane Jordahl Community Benefit Fund 569) DMF - Rust Sales, Inc. Charitable Endowment Fund 570) DMF - Shine On Fund 571) DMF - Sinner Bresnahan Healthy Kids Initiative Fund 572) DMF - Sr. Mary Louise Jundt OSF Legacy Fund 573) DMF - Strive Fund 574) DMF - Susan Mathison MD / Catalyst Cares Fund 575) DMF - Swanson Health Products Healthy Community Fund 576) DMF - Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool Fund 577) DMF - Whitney Endowment Fund

Impact Foundation Funds 578) Impact - Altura Endowment Fund 579) Impact - Badges of Unity Fund - Fargo Police Department 580) Impact - Bethany and Levi Andrist Family Fund 581) Impact - Cando Connection Fund 582) Impact - Charles and Carol Iten Family Endowment Fund 583) Impact - Clubs Fore Kids Fund 584) Impact - Community Improvement Fund 585) Impact - Dakota Business Lending Fund 586) Impact - Doug Dulmage Memorial Scholarship Fund 587) Impact - Dunn Family Fund

588) Impact - Elevate Impact Fund 589) Impact - Excite Music Fund 590) Impact - Faith-Based Ministry Fund 591) Impact - Fill The Dome Fund 592) Impact - Fore UND Golf Initiative 593) Impact - Homeless & Hungry Fund 594) Impact – Killoran Community Benefit Fund 595) Impact - Lt. Adam Gustafson Memorial Fund 596) Impact - Nagle Family Charitable Fund 597) Impact - North Dakota Open Foundation 598) Impact - Par 4 Youth Golf Fund 599) Impact - PaY (Philanthropy and Youth) Summer Internship 600) Impact - POWER Fund 601) Impact - Rodger Johnson Fund 602) Impact - Russ Newman Memorial Youth Fund 603) Impact - Sandhills Archery Club Fund 604) Impact - She Overcomes. Fund 605) Impact - Solberg Family Donor Advised Fund 606) Impact - Spirit of Fargo Fund 607) Impact - Support Our Veterans (SOV) Fund & Fisher House North Dakota 608) Impact - Tech4Kids 609) Impact - The Next Step ND Fund 610) Impact - Wieland Family Donor Advised Fund 611) Impact - Women's Impact Fund

Dakota Tallow

Heather and Tim Curran

Meet The

MAKER MAKER

By Ashley Morken, Unglued Photos submitted by Ashley Morken

erfect for diving into the dead of winter, we’ve got Dakota Tallow to keep your skin taken care of! We weren’t familiar with Tallow until we shopped at their booth at a craft market and it’s been a game-changer for so many people! Learn more about the makers and their handcrafted small business out of Kindred, ND.

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Tell us a bit about yourself. We are a busy family of six from rural Kindred, ND! Heather loves to cook/ bake, read, and homeschool our four children. Heather is originally from rural Linton, ND. Tim is an architect at RDO. He loves to spend time with his family, do DIY projects, and officiate high school wrestling in the winter. Tim is originally from Elk Point, SD. Describe what type of products you make under Dakota Tallow Skin Care. We create unique, 100% all-natural, handcrafted tallow body care products. We offer face creams, sunscreen, hand creams, eczema creams/butters, body butters, lotion bars, moisturizing sugar scrubs, lip balms, re-mineralizing tooth powders, and other new products are coming soon. All of our products, if scented, use only high-quality organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Tell us how you got started with your business? After suffering from eczema on my hands for over 10 years, I was determined to find some relief. Prescription and over-the-counter products were causing serious steroid addictions and I wasn’t finding any relief—until tallow. After discovering tallow, the terrible eczema on my hand started to get so much better and my hand was not as inflamed and irritated. The itch was going away. Additionally, since the tallow was on my hands, I would touch my face and I noticed my blemishes were starting to heal and my complexion was improving. I made some tallow products for family and friends to try and they loved them! For two years, I was selling only to family and close friends and they continued to ask for more. So, by accident, Dakota Tallow was born! Can you tell us more about the benefits of tallow? Tallow is comprised of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K which is the same makeup as our skin—naturally making it extremely skin-compatible. Tallow can benefit those suffering

from skin ailments such as eczema, rosacea, stretch marks, sun spots, burns, and other skin irritations. Tallow’s mineral properties help to restore collagen and elasticity in the skin, as well. What is something that would surprise people about working with tallow? Tallow is one of the most skincompatible moisturizers that nature gave us. What is your personal favorite item or piece you've created so far? Our family can’t go without the Belly Butter and the Frankincense & Lavender Rosehip Face Cream. How do you determine what new products to put out there? Trial and error along with our passion for creating something new and exciting. What is something you've enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business? The people that we meet at the Pride of Dakota Showcases and the Red River Market along with the positive feedback that we receive from being able to help people with their skin in a more natural way! What is the most challenging thing? Trying to keep everything organized. Where can people find your work? On our website DakotaTallow.com or locally in the F-M area at SCHEELS Home & Hardware, MinnDak Market, and Prairie Naturopathic Doctors. We also have several other retailers throughout ND. | DakotaTallow.com | @DakotaTallowSkinCare | /DakotaTallowSkinCare

By Brady Drake Photos by Josiah Kopp

Kendra Jolicoeur Charting Her Path in the Art World Kendra Jolicoeur's artistic journey has been a winding road. Her true start came in a high school classroom, taking a mandatory ninth-grade art class. She didn't know it at the time, but that course was where the seeds of her future career were sown. By the time she was a senior, she was taking three art classes. These experiences not only ignited her passion for art but also set her on a path of continuous exploration and growth, leading her from architecture to graphic design, and finally to her true calling in art education.

The Evolution from Student to Teacher Kendra's initially entered into higher education pursuing an architecture degree. Kendra enjoyed the architecture program, but while she was in it, she felt herself drawn to the more artistic side of the curriculum. So, she changed her major to graphic design. However, that didn't feel quite right either and she later changed her major to art education—her true calling. "I changed to art education and now, that's what I graduated with," Kendra said. 52 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Although she has now graduated, has found a long-term substitute teaching position in the area, and is beginning to flourish as an artist, Kendra's collegiate evolution took time and involved plenty of exploration, self-discovery, and acceptance. "I used to think that for my art to be good, it needed to be really realistic," Kendra said. Over time, she embraced her unique style, moving beyond the confines of photo-realism and into the realm of scientific illustration. For her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) feature, Kendra chose a

unique and intriguing subject: entomology. "I wanted to choose insects because... they have a lot of beauty in them that we don't stop to look at," Kendra said. "As a society, we see them as creepy and gross and they're

Support Kendra | @kendrajfinearts

actually very beautiful and intricate. One of my favorite to paint are Goliath Beetles. They're black and white so you can put them on almost any background and make the contrast so stark and attention grabbing." As she continues to evolve, Kendra's current exploration is aimed at local aquatic life. "I think I'm going to start focusing on the fish of our area," Kendra said. "They are 54 | JANUARY 2024 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

very interesting and have some beautiful colors and textures in their scales. I think painting them would be fun because they're kind of similar to bugs in that some people think they're gross." On the teaching side of things, Kendra is also finding her way. "I feel like teaching has come naturally to me," Kendra said. "I've enjoyed every one of my practicum placements for student teaching. I was able to

find my passion for teaching when I would have students stay late after class to talk to me about their art. I also loved seeing their passion when they would email me pictures of their updated artwork. I'm kind of seeing my younger self in these students, which is satisfying because I can help them push their artwork in a way that I maybe wasn't able to as a high schooler."

Geneva Nodland

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Rediscovering Local author, Alicia Underlee Nelson, has completed the book, "100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die," creating a bucket list for locals and visitors alike! By Geneva Nodland argo-Moorhead native and experienced freelance author Alicia Underlee Nelson has released her newest work, "100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die." Known for her contributions to travel and local interest publications, Alicia's latest book offers a comprehensive and insightful guide to the area. This book, like others in a similar format, holds a special place for Alicia, as it focuses on her current home, highlighting FargoMoorhead's unique attractions and experiences. In a larger sense, the book aims to provide both residents and visitors with an array of activities that showcase the diverse and vibrant community, but in a more personal way, it became a way for Alicia to explore and re-learn the ins and outs of the place she calls home.

Alicia's career has positioned her as a figure in the Fargo-Moorhead community, both as a freelance writer and as a local enthusiast— making her a fitting voice behind this particular project. With a career spanning over a decade, Alicia's journey as a writer began as a fulltime endeavor following the birth of her son, marking a significant transition from part-time pursuits to a dedicated professional path. Her diverse portfolio includes a book that looks at North Dakota's history with beer, as well as others on Midwestern road trips and state park adventures. Her career navigated from theater to radio sales and eventually to writing, however, the constant throughout has been her love for storytelling and her ability to connect with a broad audience. Whether it was through her blog, her contributions to local publications, or her insightful travel books, she found that she has always been able to connect with her readers. That might have something to do with a piece of advice that Alicia said was the best she's ever gotten: write the stories that you want to write. And, although that felt like a big leap from her advertising-style writing background, it's something that she has been able to position her writing style and career

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around—including this newest work. "You write the stories that you're interested in and you become known for writing those stories," she said. "So, I'm kind of the girl people go to for overlooked, underthe-radar destinations, and North Dakota and Fargo definitely fall into that category." Alicia's writing style, deeply influenced by her extensive travels, reflects a blend of local insight and global perspective. Her travel experiences, ranging from New Mexico to Spain and Germany, have inspired her work with a depth that goes beyond the typical travel narrative. These journeys have helped shape her professional approach, as well as her perspective. In her personal life, Alicia's roots are firmly planted in the Midwest. Originating from Hendrum, MN, a small town about 30 miles north of Moorhead, she has always viewed Fargo as the "big city," like many others who grew up in the rural area. Her academic journey took her to Illinois and Minneapolis-St. Paul before returning to complete her degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

"I've had the ability to travel all over, and I think the one thing that all of my work has in common is, I'm very interested in slow travel," Alicia said, "I am interested in slowing down and living like locals do, seeing things from the ground up as a local would. I do a lot of work with tourism departments and government agencies, and they're wonderful for helping you find those marquee experiences and helping connect you to interesting neighborhoods, people, and experiences, but I think a lot of my best work comes from talking, not just to the concierge at our hotel, but talking to the taxi driver or asking my barista where they're going on their day off. And going to that restaurant or that club, and then asking someone there where they would go, and I get a very different, layered approach." Alicia's approach when writing is personal and community-oriented. Her interest in 'slow travel'—a concept focused on "hidden," local experiences—resonates through her work to showcase the diversity of the places she explores, especially her home region. "I was able to approach my own community in the same way that I would approach another community where I was visiting," she said. "I made my list and I had some fun,

quirky things that I definitely wanted to include, but then I also had to do a hard look as I do whenever I write. What are my blind spots? What am I missing? What are the things that I'm not as knowledgeable about, but that are also important?" With "100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die," Alicia invites readers to see FargoMoorhead through her eyes in that same way, offering a guide that is as much a narrative of her own experiences as it is a testament to the vivacity of the local community. "I think it's a very Midwestern thing to be selfdeprecating and to put ourselves down, to say, 'Oh, there's nothing to do here.' That's a common comment that I get whenever I travel to any city, people who grew up there always, always say, 'Oh, this place is so boring. I cannot believe you came here.' And I think that should make us feel a little bit better here in Fargo and the Midwest—we're not the only ones who do it," Alicia said.

CONTINUED

Alicia has written several books about the Midwest culture, history, and attractions. Check them out! If you're interested in getting your hands on any of these books, head to prairiestylefile.com/store!

North Dakota Beer: A Heady History In this book, Alicia recounts the journey of North Dakota from being a dry state to a thriving hub of craft beer. This book is a comprehensive exploration of the state's beer history, including the rise of local breweries and the evolving beer culture.

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Midwest Road Trip Adventures

Midwest State Park Adventures

Co-authored by Alicia, this anthology takes readers on a journey along some of the most storied highways and byways in the nation. The book features a variety of destinations, including historic lighthouses on Lake Erie's shores in Ohio, canyons in Kansas, springs in Michigan, Underground Railroad sites in Illinois, and the iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. It's a celebration of the Midwest by authors intimately familiar with the regions they cover.

Another collaborative effort, this guidebook covers the world of Midwestern state parks. It features over 170 state parks, each selected for its unique landscapes and exciting activities. The book provides insider tips, organized layouts for five distinct regions in each state, and practical advice for planning adventures. This guide is an invitation to explore the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Midwest's outdoor offerings.

In a place where locals so often use that phrase, "There's nothing to do here," it was satisfying for Alicia to be able to show how that isn't true, in 100 different ways. Researching and writing a book like this was a task that was just as challenging as it was rewarding, but one thing she was sure of—"I knew I could get 100," she said. In fact, Alicia said that she actually had to narrow down her list to just 100. The difficulty wasn't in finding enough content, but rather, in what had to be left out. "The hardest part was to narrow it down and make sure that it felt balanced," she said. This balance was about including a variety of activities, while also capturing the essence of the community in its entirety—its culture, its people, and its spirit. "For some reason, with a book, I always want it to be something that will last for 20 years, which is probably not possible. With that in mind, I really wanted this book to be a snapshot of what's happening now, but also to show the many different cultures that make this place what it is and to see how those are going to grow," Alicia said. As she was writing, It became less about the individual bullets in the list and more about weaving each bullet together in a way that best represented the community and its variety, diversity, and, equally as important, affordability. "It's hard, especially if you have a family, so I included free and affordable things in this book because I think it is absolutely vital and everybody has the right to fully experience their city," Alicia said. "We are lucky in that there are lots of places that are free, lots of things that are super affordable and interesting for families... I mean, many of us have had times when our dreams were bigger than our budget, and that's okay, this book has got you covered." Alicia always tries to show diverse and affordable options in her travel writing—she knows that travel and exploration are a privilege, and her works seek to bridge the gap, making it a more inclusive and accessible experience. By highlighting low-cost or free activities, she opens the door to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the joy of discovery and the thrill of adventure that brings; and that's not lost on her own community.

CONTINUED

The authenticity in Alicia's work stems from her personal connections and experiences within the community. "I think it's really easy to go a little bit blind to the place where you live, we miss a lot of the charm and the uniqueness of neighborhoods and cities and state when we are used to seeing them. I think sometimes we need to see familiar places with new eyes," Alicia said. In her travel writing, Alicia does a lot of work with street food, breweries, and handmade local artists and creatives— something that sounds pretty similar to the lineup here in the FM area. "I realized that we have attractions, neighborhoods, artists, breweries, and restaurants here, that can absolutely hold their own with places where state and and national governments are throwing their money behind to promote," she said. This led Alicia to rediscover Fargo-Moorhead, finding beauty and excitement in places she had perhaps overlooked or taken for granted. Her book encourages both residents and visitors to

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do the same, to explore their surroundings with curiosity and wonder. In "100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die," Alicia Underlee Nelson has created more than a travel guide; she has crafted almost a love letter to Fargo-Moorhead. It's a book that invites readers to explore, to discover, and to fall in love with a community that, while it may seem unassuming, is filled with life and culture. As Alicia herself puts it, "[It's] not just the marquee destinations, not just the things you'll see in terms of a brochure, but the stuff that you gather when you live here and work here, and when you have to keep your creative juices flowing." This book is a journey through Fargo-Moorhead, guided by someone who knows it best, and it's an invitation to see this vibrant community through her eyes. Local or not, rediscover Fargo-Moorhead and get a copy of "100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die" at prairiestylefile.com

Q: So, this book potentially could have volume two in the future? A: I think so. And I think that's what makes a book like this interesting— you can pick it up and you can read it, cover to cover if you want to, that's fine. If you're more interested in sports and recreation, or food and drink, you can start there and read through it. Or you can just pick your favorite number, whatever seems interesting, and liven it up. Make it a party game if you want. It also arranges things by itinerary style if you want great photo-ops or date night ideas. You can also search by season, which is nice because people think there's nothing to do here in the winter, and that's clearly untrue.

Wine of the Month.

REVIEW BY ASHLEY SERBUS OF CELLAR 624

Photos by Josiah Kopp

Wild Riverbank grape wine KESSELRING VINEYARDS, 2018

medium body with tannic structure and acidity.

Kesselring Vineyards is the only Riverbank Grape (Vitis Riparia) Vineyard in the U.S. Owner Jason Kesselring and his team grow grapes native to the Sheyenne Valley. All of their vines are grown and sourced on their ranch land and the area. "The Riverbank grape is notable for being indigenous to the northern and eastern parts of Canada and the U.S.," Kesselring said. "Many historians believe that Vitis Riparia was the grape variety Leif Erickson and the Vikings found when they discovered America in 1000 A.D.— so impressed that they named the land they discovered 'Vinland' meaning 'Vine-land.' Big, lush, and fruit-forward in flavor, our Riverbank wine is complex with tastes of plum, fig, black cherry, and even tobacco undertones."

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sweet finish with undertones of black fruits and tobacco.

Aromas of black fruit, herbal, and floral characteristics.

"I IMAGINE ENJOYING THIS DRY RED WITH A NICE HEARTY MUSHROOM PASTA IN THE WINTER." - ASHLEY SERBUS, CELLAR 624

The Review Kesselring Vineyards out of Kindred is a local winemaker I was completely unaware of ! The bottle itself is something quite impressive. This red wine made from North Dakota wild grapes has a deep purple hue and the nose is bursting with black fruit, herbal and floral characteristics. On the palate, I tasted bright red fruits like cherry and cranberry, as well as darker fruit notes of blueberry and blackcurrant. There are also some herbaceous and floral components to this red. I get hints of forest floor, dried herbs, and roses. This wine has a medium body, tannic structure, and acidity which makes this a great wine to pair with a variety of foods. For cheeses, I would recommend Gouda, Havarti, Gruyere, Manchego, or Brie. Cheddar may also complement this nicely if it isn’t too sharp. I imagine enjoying this dry red with BBQ ribs or pulled pork in the summertime and a nice hearty mushroom pasta in the

winter. A lovely expression of wine made from wild North Dakota grapes!

Cellar 624

| 624 Main Ave

Suite 4B, Fargo, ND

| cellar624.com

Kesselring Vineyards | 5720 160th Ave SE

Kindred, ND

| kesselringvineyards.com | @kesselringvineyards | /kesselringvineyards

Fargo Monthly January 2024

Articles inside

Featured Giving Hearts Day Charities

MarchApril: Spring Season

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