Join us on September 10, 2019
St. Cloud, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Awards in Philanthropy. Tim Wensman and Janet Fischels-Wensman will be receiving the Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy; Lori Greenway will be receiving the Professional Award in Philanthropy; GREAT Theatre will be receiving the Community Builder Award; and Bernie Perryman will be receiving the ATHENA Award. The CMCF Philanthropy Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, September 10 from 5:00-8:30pm at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Reservations can be made at www.communitygiving.org/events or by calling (877) 253-4380.
Tim Wensman and Janet Fischels-Wensman – Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy
The Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy recognizes a person or couple who has significantly contributed to the field of philanthropy in the region.
Tim and Janet believe that we can do so much more when everyone works toward a common goal. Their dedication to bringing people to the table to find a solution is what makes them so deserving of this award. As they champion combating homelessness in our community, Tim and Janet truly inspire others through their philanthropy and involvement to make our community the best it can be.
Lori Greenway – Professional Award in Philanthropy
The Professional Award in Philanthropy recognizes efforts of a professional advisor such as an attorney, accountant, financial planner or other professional who has significantly contributed to philanthropy in the region.
Lori leads by example, living her value of giving back to community through leadership. She chairs the local chapter of Leave A Legacy, a public awareness program designed to inspire and educate people to think beyond their lifespan. She has also been an active member of the Central Minnesota Women’s Fund board, most recently co-chairing the grants committee.
GREAT Theatre – Community Builder Award
The Community Builder Award recognizes an organization that increases social capital through the bridging and bonding across our diverse community.
GREAT Theatre connects people from all walks of life to appreciate and celebrate the beauty of art and the theater. They celebrate the importance of storytelling to teach and touch lives by showing new perspectives and ideas to the audience. They believe in accessibility and inclusion of all. GREAT Theatre’s constant drive to connect and embrace everyone through the power of the arts is truly inspirational and touches so many lives in our community.
Bernie Perryman – ATHENA Award
The ATHENA Award recognizes exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.
A passionate and dedicated businesswoman, Bernie strives to serve her community and help in any way that she can. Bernie was a pioneer in a male-dominated field and she continually helps other women professionally and personally achieve their goals. Her involvement in local organizations such as Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, CentraCare Health Foundation, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation and United Way of Central Minnesota has impacted many.
The ATHENA Award is presented by the Women’s Fund and sponsored by Granite Equity Partners.
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1985, CMCF has grown to over $105.9 million in assets and awarded over $100.5 million in grants to non-profits. The CMCF 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 nearly 800 funds totaling more than $140 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/CentralMN.