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The Luverne Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Friends of the Foundation Celebration of Philanthropy Monday, Nov. 25, in Take 16 Brewing Company, Luverne.
The event recognizes and celebrates businesses, nonprofits and individuals who benefit from and support the foundation’s mission of strengthening the community.
Jeannine Rivet, Warren Herreid receive Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Jeannine Rivet and Warren Herreid were honored with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which is awarded to those who have shown commitment to charitable responsibility and a generosity to inspire others to philanthropic action.
“Tonight’s philanthropy award recipients have a connection of deep roots, history in Rock County,” Crabtree said. “We share and recognize these roots in hopes it will inspire and challenge our friendships with you to be deeper and more committed for the common good of all.”
She introduced them with the following narrative before revealing their names:
While in their current life there is ability to live comfortably, they grew up from humble beginnings. Both had parents who strongly influenced and modeled hard work and integrity. Compassion for those in need by giving what you could in time and treasure was a priority always.
This couple states they have been blessed with great careers and were influenced by parents who had faith in their ability to succeed. In honor of their parents and the values handed down to them, they created a family foundation in 2005. This foundation formalized their giving opportunity and allowed for educating their children and grandchildren in a responsibility to give back.
They feel that giving back to the community is important and they choose to give because they can and they should. I asked these friends how they hope their gifts will inspire or affect others. Their decisions for gifts are purposeful and they look for measureable impact and results. Honoring Veterans is an area very important to our friends. The contributions to the Rock County Veterans Memorial/Museum were given with the intent to bring peace, recognition and gratitude for the service of our Rock County Veterans and their families.
The secured location of the new Armory in our community for military training, community gathering space and recreational opportunities for residents was guaranteed through a generous gift by these friends.
The K.A.H.R. family foundation is also working behind the scenes allowing local educators and students to attend training workshops they might not otherwise be able to attend through scholarships.
Tonight’s spirit awardee sent this quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.” They hope their example of giving will encourage others to share of their time and treasure as taught to them.
Rock County Red Arrow receives Nonprofit Spotlight Award
The LACF Nonprofit Spotlight award went to Rock County Red Arrow. It recognizes an outstanding volunteer group that demonstrates commitment to community through direct involvement, financial support and leadership.
Crabtree introduced the organization with the following narrative:
The roots of this organization run deep. So deep that the organization’s originating mission was to be the single entity that requested charitable donations from supporting communities that would then be disbursed to the local nonprofits in need of funds. This organization is supported through direct donations from the people of Rock County. This nonprofit organization relies on an all-volunteer board.
All members of this board live in Rock County and have a common goal to make Rock County a better place to live. One member states, “I Love Rock County” and all that it has to offer so being a volunteer allows me to make it an even better place. Having an open ear to the needs of qualifying organizations and supporting them financially has allowed this group to be a leader in Rock County for 54 years.
Another board member shared that being a part of this group has allowed them to meet many different people and share with them the generosity of so many people in our area.
Papik Motors honored as Outstanding Corporation or Business
Papik Motors is this year’s Outstanding Corporation or Business. The foundation of the award, Crabtree said, is based on creating a culture of philanthropy through financial support of nonprofit organizations, leadership and volunteerism.
She announced the award with the following narrative:
When we talk about Rock County roots this outstanding business award fits the mold. Papik Motors was created in 1990 under the ownership of two Luverne High School sweethearts.
Gary and Janine have been lifelong residents of Rock County and have been not only successful business owners but successful visionaries, mentors and examples of giving back to community for future generations and they do this side by side with their children.
Papik Motors is a proud supporter of many non-profit organizations in the community: chamber events, Palace Theatre events, area sports teams, local fundraisers, youth sponsored events, FFA scholarships and scholarships for students wishing to enter the automotive field. If there is something going on in the community that needs support, Papik Motors is likely doing something to support it.
The Papik Motor Company encourages its employees to be involved in the community. While the list is long, here a few highlights: a lengthy number of board memberships, LIFT, Luverne Street Music, MN West College, Take 16, Luverne Baseball and Basketball Association, and the Palace Theatre.
Support of volunteering is equally abundant in youth sports and music activities, meals on wheels, choral leadership and music accompaniment, and participation in sponsored chamber events.
Employees help raise funds for pink Saturdays which raises money for breast cancer awareness, Chevy youth baseball event, raising funds for youth baseball, sponsoring and volunteering as host for the monthly Bank Night free movie event for families, and has participated in Kids Against Hunger, packing meals for those in need. When asked how Papik Motors has developed its culture for giving, it was shared that it came from a National Auto Dealers convention Gary attended.
Gary was affected by a seminar about the importance of giving back to your community. He states that Luverne has been a great place to raise a family and the quality of life is unbelievable. That’s his inspiration for leading by example at Papik Motors and its staff to make the community in which we live the best that it can be.
Twenty-eight groups receive over $60,000 in grants from LACF
The evening offered an opportunity for grant recipients to explain their missions and how they use their funds.
“When you give a gift to the Luverne Area Community Foundation, you are helping support the grant requests that come from the not for profit organizations that work for the strength and health of our communities,” Crabtree said.
This year 28 local organizations received over $60,000 in grant funding from LACF.
Crabtree explained the process with the following narrative:
I had a donor ask me recently “Emily, how do we know who needs financial help every year?” After a short pause my answer was twofold.
First, I believe that the needs change every year. We can help get something going in the right direction and then a new need will arise.
Second, an annual gift to the LACF Community Grant Fund helps the organizations who shared with you tonight receive the funding needed to fill the gaps or strengthen the programs they are running for the communities we love.
This year the request for dollars was three times the amount we had to give.
If you want to make a difference, if you want to create impact, make or continue to make part of your annual giving to the LACF Community Grant Fund.
The Luverne Area Community Foundation can be reached at 507-220-2424 or Emily@luvacf.org.