Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation’s (BLACF) Board of Directors announced this year’s Award in Philanthropy recipients are Virginia and the late Kenneth Merrill of Crosslake, MN. The Merrills have displayed a passion for helping others and bettering our communities. They have assisted with the growth and development of Crosslake and the surrounding areas through supporting nonprofit organizations and the City of Crosslake operations.
Kenneth and Virginia Merrill believed in community and through their generosity and exceptional leadership, they have significantly impacted those around them and the community at large. In the city of Crosslake, they have supported many causes that have strengthened infrastructure, helped to maintain the well-being of local citizens and have provided their time and money to support the cultural enrichment of the community.
Rob Larson, former Camp Knutson Director said, “We are especially grateful for the support that Ken and Ginny provided to the camp. Our mission to serve children with identified needs was very meaningful to Ken and his love for family and for all children shown through in his kind and caring demeanor. Ken was a gentle soul who truly believed in our mission and service to these great kids. The Merrills supported us at a time when the camp was going through a rebuilding process. The camp has made great strides over the past decade and we are grateful to the Merrills for trusting in our ability to make Camp Knutson more accessible for more children.”
Todd Lyscio, Past Executive Director of Crosslake Community School, stated, “Because of people like the Merrills, there is a beautiful new school building that will serve the community of Crosslake for years to come. Without their generosity, the building would never have become a reality.” Chip Lohmiller, Crosslake Fire Department Chief shared the departments gratitude for their support in purchasing a new fire truck. There are dozens more stories of appreciation from other organizations including the Park and Library Foundation, the Crosslake Food Shelf, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lutheran Social Services, and the Salvation Army to name a few.
Karl Samp, executive director of BLACF, said: “There are too many charities to mention that have benefited from the Merrill’s generosity. The Brainerd Lakes and Crosslake Areas are better places because of their philanthropic giving. We are honored to name them as our 2020 recipients of the Award in Philanthropy.”
In addition, two local women will be honored posthumously with Legacy Awards. Millie Gjertson and Linnea Anderson, both of whom leave a lasting legacy for all who enjoy and benefit from the projects and activities they supported locally.
The Award in Philanthropy will be presented on Thursday, July 9, at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa during the BLACF Annual Dinner. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit www.communitygiving.org/events or contact the BLACF.
The BLACF attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local Brainerd area. Since 1998, BLACF has grown to over $15 million in assets and awarded over $5.6 million in grants to nonprofits. The BLACF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a collaborative of several community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers nearly 850 funds totaling more than $150 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Brainerd.
Pictured below from top to bottom:
Virginia and Kenneth* Merrill
Millie Gjertson*
Linnea Anderson*
* indicates deceased
