LEGACY STORY

Kevin Close and Rod Converse

Foundation:

Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation

Award:

2011 Award in Philanthropy from the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation

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It was at a men’s Bible study group where the idea for the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation took its first breath. Business partners Kevin Close and Rod Converse believed something was missing in the area. The concept of the Foundation was based on the simple principle of “you give where you live.”

“We’ve had some very generous and committed people throughout the years who have sat on the Foundation’s Board and set up funds—people whose impact will last long after they are gone,” Kevin said.

The Foundation honored Close and Converse in 2011 with the Award for Philanthropy.

“I think we’re starting to understand that dollars can have a limited impact without a passionate commitment to your chosen cause,” Close said. “The Lord works through people.”Kevin remains very involved with Minnesota Teen Challenge and has been active with several ministerial groups both locally and nationally. He has had previous involvement with Kinship Partners and is the past president of both the Brainerd Jaycees and Lions organizations.