ALEXANDRIA, Minn. — The Alexandria Area Community Foundation will host its 2nd Annual Life Planning Blueprint: Taxes, Wealth & Legal Essentials on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Legacy of the Lakes BoatHouse in Alexandria.
This engaging and informative event is designed to help community members better understand the key components of financial, estate and legacy planning and feel more confident making informed decisions for the future.
Attendees will hear from an experienced panel of local professionals who will share insights on topics including protecting assets, understanding tax considerations, preserving a legacy, and navigating important legal and financial decisions. The program will include a brief review of foundational concepts, along with a deeper look at planning strategies and topics expanded for this year’s event.
Whether attendees joined last year’s program or are participating for the first time, the event is designed to offer practical guidance and valuable takeaways for people at every stage of life—from those just beginning their careers to individuals preparing for retirement or enjoying their retirement years.
“It’s never too early or too late to be intentional about your estate plan, your wishes and the legacy you want to leave behind,” said AJ Koewler, AACF Executive Director. “We look forward to bringing community members together for an informative conversation that can help build a stronger foundation for the future.”
The panel of experts will include:
- Nick Heydt, Attorney, Pemberton Law
- Chad Silbernick, Senior Accountant, Silbernick Accounting Inc.
- Ellen Kappmeyer, Attorney, Thornton Law Office
What: 2nd Annual Life Planning Blueprint: Taxes, Wealth & Legal Essentials
When: Monday, August 17, 2026
Where: Legacy of the Lakes BoatHouse, 205 3rd Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308
Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Reception: 4:30 p.m.
Panel Presentation: 5:00 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. Visit www.communitygiving.org/events to RSVP or email [email protected].
The workshop connects directly to the Alexandria Area Community Foundation’s work to raise awareness about the significant transfer of wealth taking place across the region. According to research from University of Minnesota Extension, over the next 10 years, an estimated $252.3 million in assets will transfer in Pope County and $888.5 million in Douglas County. These numbers highlight the importance of understanding what assets individuals and families have, planning ahead, and making intentional decisions about how those assets will be managed and passed on. As a local entity, the Alexandria Area Community Foundation is here to help individuals and families think about their legacy, fulfill their charitable wishes, and ensure their values and generosity can continue to strengthen the community for generations to come.
The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local Alexandria area. Since 1992, AACF has grown to nearly $7.6 million in assets and awarded over $12.5 million in grants to nonprofits. The AACF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a collaborative of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Alexandria.