Contact: Mike Burton, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation Director Phone: 218-824-5633
BLACF Announces Recipients of Philanthropy Award
Kevin Close, Rod Converse to be honored in July
Brainerd, Minn. – For their foresight and vision, in addition to their dedication to philanthropy in the Lakes Area, business partners Kevin Close and Rod Converse have been selected as recipients of the 2011 Award in Philanthropy.
The award, now in its seventh year, is sponsored by Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and seeks to recognize the efforts of individuals, couples and families that have significantly contributed to philanthropy in the region through their personal giving, volunteerism or work as a professional advising their clients about philanthropy.
The men were selected for this year’s honor due in part to the time and talent given to a variety of charitable organizations, as well as their instrumental work in initially creating the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation.
“Kevin and Rod not only pioneered, with other community members, the concept of the Community Foundation, but went on to participate in the formation of the organization,” noted Mike Burton, Director of the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation. “These men epitomize philanthropy, professionalism and a deep, spiritual thoughtfulness of others both in our area and around the country and the world. Few fit the protocol of this award more than Kevin and Rod.”
The Award in Philanthropy was created in an effort to honor those who work to build a better community and inspire the next generation of philanthropic leaders. Among past recipients of the award are the Cote Family (2010), JoAnn and Arnie Johnson (2009), Kathy and Bruce Buxton (2008), Linda and Bernie Roberts (2007), Fran and Clarence Holden (2006), and John Sullivan (2005).
Close and Converse will be honored at the BLACF Annual Dinner, July 28th at the Gull Lake Center at Grand View Lodge. For ticket information, visit www.CommunityGiving.org/Brainerd.
The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1998, BLACF has grown to more than $5 million in assets and awarded nearly $2 million in grants to local nonprofits. BLACF is affiliated with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, which administers more than 500 funds totaling more than $65 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Brainerd.
