What started as a guy literally picking up a cute girl who fell on the sidewalk at Luther College has blossomed into 45 years of marriage. During those years, Terry and Kris Tone have also crafted a reputation as engaged, involved and passionate volunteers and donors to causes they care about. “Anyone can lead, at any age and from any chair. It’s ok to start small because that often leads to great things that will change you as much as it helps others,” notes Kris. Terry adds, “When you succeed, it is an obligation to give back. Our parents both instilled in us the importance of being involved and volunteering. It is amazing what you can do. If we can do it, anyone can!” Following college, the Tone’s spent time in Owatonna and Mankato before moving to the Willmar area. Terry’s career in medical administration brought him to the former ACMC Clinic in Willmar and Kris found her calling in vocational rehabilitative services for the state of Minnesota. While raising three children they still found time to volunteer and make gifts to support things important to them or the community.
Now as grandparents to five, they take sharing these ideals with the next generation seriously. “A favorite tradition is taking the grandchildren shopping for other kids in need at the holidays. They look forward to it and we like to think it shows them that we all need to help others,” shares Terry. Those grandchildren also see them in action, volunteering for the Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, the Willmar Area Community Foundation board, the Willmar Area Women’s Fund Steering Committee and the United Way. Both worked on the Destination Playground project, Terry as a build captain and Kris on the Food
Committee. “I’ve never been so cold or so wet as I was on that playground build but I am incredibly proud of what our community did together,” notes Terry. Kris adds, “We said yes when we were asked – it’s that simple. Being able to create opportunities for others to grow, to be part of achieving goals and do things we believe in has been important to us with our time and now, with our donations. We hope we can inspire others to do that too.”
Reflecting on their impact and evolving legacy, Terry and Kris adopt a humble attitude and offer compelling advice. “Partner with organizations that have a pulse on the community, pool resources with others and tackle things together. Be part of local solutions,” advises Kris. Terry shares, “Building a playground, rehabilitating a Habitat home and meeting a little girl who will have a bedroom of her own for the first time, picking up food donations for the food shelf – those things change you. I get a lot out of doing it. It’s been incredibly rewarding.”
The Willmar Area Community Foundation was pleased to honor Terry and Kristen Tone as the 2023 Award in Philanthropy honorees for their outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy.