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Awards in Philanthropy


The Central Minnesota Community Foundation each year celebrates the generosity of our community and recognizes individuals who have fostered passion and vision for philanthropy in central Minnesota through its annual awards in philanthropy and leadership. The Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the following awards:


Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy

Recognizes a person or couple who has significantly contributed to the field of philanthropy in the region.


Professional Award in Philanthropy

Recognizes the efforts of a professional advisor such as an attorney, accountant, financial planner, or other professional who has significantly contributed to philanthropy in the region.


President's Award

Recognizes the efforts of an individual or group that has provided significant and long-term support to the Community Foundation and the greater community at large.


ATHENA Award

Honors exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. This award is presented by the Women’s Fund and sponsored by HealthPartners Central Minnesota Clinics.


2012 HONOREES



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BENEDICT AND DOROTHY GORECKI
ALEX DIDIER AWARD

Ben and Dorothy are unassuming in their demeanor, but their generosity is far from modest. Their philanthropy is thoughtful, targeted, and extraordinary and has tremendously assisted significant  nonprofits in the community.

Learn more an view a short video on their story.


 



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STEVE LARAWAY
PROFESSIONAL AWARD

Steve believes that one component of doing a good job as a professional advisor is discussing  philanthropy with clients. And he does that— again and again. That support can both endorse the gifts of the already charitably inclined and can inspire gifts from those more uncertain.

View a short video on his story.



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MOLLY RENSLOW
ATHENA AWARD

Molly has excelled in her profession throughout the years—whether at Herbergers or now at CSB. She has also been an advocate for women throughout her life and served as the first chair of the Women’s Fund. The award is presented by the Women’s Fund and is sponsored by HealthPartners and the St. Cloud Times.

View a short video on her story.


 




PAST HONOREES



Nominate Today


The Central Minnesota Community Foundation recognized the 2012 recipients of the Awards in Philanthropy and ATHENA Award in September at its annual dinner.

Nominate for Alex Didier Award or Professional Award in Philanthropy


Nominate for ATHENA Award


Alex Didier Award

1997 – Alex Didier
1998 – Don Watkins
1999 – Andy Hilger
2000 – Dennis Ringsmuth
2001 – George Torrey
2002 - Don and Arlene Helgeson
2003 – Joan and Don Volkmuth
2004 – Lee and Mary Torborg
2005 – John and Mary Weitzel
2006 – Tom and Joyce Schlough
2007 – Norm Skalicky
2008 – The Anderson Family-Jeanette, Rollie, Jim, and Barbara
2009 -  Nancy Ehlen
2010 – Jim and Marion Miller
2011 - Marilyn and Bob Obermiller  


President's Award

2004 – Jack Happe
2005 -  F. Hilary Thimmesh
2007 – Ed Henry
2008 – Dave Noack, Dave Marquardt
2009 – Kevin Hughes
2010 – S. Colman O’Connell
2011 - John Leisen 


Professional Award

1998 – Jack Amundson
1999 – Jerry Thoreen
2000 – Lee Hanson
2001 – Doug Holzkamp
2002 – Paul Steil
2003 – Ted Dickinson (posthumously)
2004 – Brad Hanson
2005 – Cindy Faye Johnson
2006 – Jerry McCarter
2007 – Wayne Schluchter
2008 -  Mike Karl
2009 -  Colette Carlson
2011 - Fred Shermock    


Business Award

2004 – Bremer
2005 – Bernick Companies
2006 – Antioch/Creative Memories
2007 – Sprint/St. Cloud Wireless Holdings
2008 – Coborn’s Inc. 
2009 – Marco Inc.


ATHENA Award

1988 - Susan Mackert
1989 - Colman O’Connell
1990 - Peg Meyer
1991 - Ann Thelen
1992 - Nancy Fischer
1993 - Diane Gohman
1994 - Diana Murphy Podawiltz
1995 - Dorothy Simpson
1996 - Cheryl Lightle
1997 - Connie Cross
1998 - Sonja Sorensen Craig
1999 - Patti Gartland
2000 - Colette Carlson
2001 - Marj Hawkins
2002 - Sandy Neutzling
2003 - Betty Schnettler
2004 - Barb Carlson
2005 - Joan Volkmuth
2008 - Patt Adair
2009 - Jan Bensen
2010 - Elaine Bauerly
2011 - Cindy Faye Johnson