Raised on a farm near Pipestone, Dee Griebel remembers the safety of the small-but-mighty town where she spent much of her childhood. The way neighbors helped neighbors all year long, but especially during fall harvest. The generosity of those who came before her and supported good ideas like playgrounds and swimming pools. And the fun.
Harmon Park was the largest park in town and the place to be for young Dee. After a recent renovation made possible through community fundraising, the park boasts new ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, a swimming pool, and more. Even though she no longer lives in Pipestone, Dee was a big part of the project. She wants kids today to have a place to play, gather with friends and just be kids. She wants kids to grow up loving Pipestone, just like she does.
Another way Dee supports her hometown is by making a gift to our general endowment — our savings account for southwest Minnesota that provides funding for our mission to connect people, invest in ideas and build communities. Communities that are growing our future workforce and our future leaders. Your hometown … or your home today. Your Pipestone.
Southwest Initiative Foundation’s focus on place — on small communities with unique needs — keeps Dee connected to her values, her roots, her home. That’s why she made a special matching gift for fiscal year 2019, and why she continues to support our work as a Growing Home Circle Member.
