What happens when more than 350 of your closest friends come together? You have an incredible night!
Thank you to our donors, partners, and friends who joined our 30th anniversary regional banquet on Thursday, April 28. We had such a wonderful time celebrating, reminiscing and connecting–and hope that each of you did, too!
Check out our Facebook page to see a bunch of event photos!
We were proud to recognize the dozens of former leaders, hundreds of current partners and many new, future faces of the foundation. A special congratulations goes to Patrick Costello, who received our 2016 Southwest Initiative Foundation Award. We also recognize our 30 for 30, who you’ll be hearing more about in the weeks to come! A special thanks goes out to our current and former board members for their years of service to build our foundation.
President/CEO Diana Anderson, Board Chair Bob Thurston and David Leckey, executive director for the Orton Family Foundation based in Vermont, who served as SWIF’s first associate director and executive director from 1897-1990, all provided special anniversary messages.
Acclaimed Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling provided a comical and heartwarming keynote. Music was provided by The Mill Pond Jazz Combo, led by Mark Freitas of Willmar and area musicians including Lucio Minces, Brian Pearson, Jake Helgeson, Jason Minke and Nick Castiglione.
Guests could also view a photo gallery featuring shots that capture the spirit, beauty and diversity of southwest Minnesota that were submitted into our 30th anniversary photo contest by professional and amateur photographers. Check out the complete online gallery and vote for your favorite!
We shared a meal, we shared some laughs and together, we shared in the honor of this milestone. Our 30 years of impact is possible because of all those who have supported us along the way and pictured all that our southwest Minnesota region can be.
We can think of no better way to celebrate than by making even more fun memories in April, our anniversary month.
Picture It…what an incredible 30 years together!
