LEGACY STORY

Dr. Frank and Alice Brown

Foundation:

Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Fund:

Dr. Frank T. and Alice Brown Fund

Fund Established:

June 29, 2000

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A college mixer of students from St. Catherine and St. Thomas brought Dr. Frank and Alice Brown together. After medical school they lived in Dallas, where Frank did a residency in Surgery. In 1963, they settled in Central Minnesota. Their shared values and beliefs have had a major impact on the lives of many central Minnesotans.

Frank had a surgery practice in St. Cloud for 30 years. They have seven children and many grandchildren. They were foster parents to 20 children, several of whom were single mothers. They enjoyed skiing, flower gardening, photography, ballroom dancing and spending time with family at their lake home and tree farm near Park Rapids.

In 1971, Alice founded Birthline, offering free one-on-one counseling and medical care for pregnant women and post-abortion counseling. Being a psychiatric nurse, Alice did counseling and volunteer education. Later they helped establish New Beginnings, a licensed residency for single pregnant women, and a Single Parent Support Group based at the YMCA. They helped establish two Treasure Chest Stores which take gently used clothes and furniture to help fund Birthline. Frank served on the boards of Catholic Charities and United Way.

In their work and service to the community, Frank and Alice recognized the many needs of people. Frank and Alice believe that supporting local causes brings the community together and brings a focus to the values of the people of Central Minnesota.