Winona Community Foundation History
In 1985 Mark Kristiansen, then director of the United Way of Greater Winona, organized a task force to investigate the possibility of forming a community foundation in our area. Members of this task force forged ahead and on January 26, 1987, the Winona Community Foundation was a registered not-for-profit agency, receiving a Certifiacate of Incorporation from Joan Anderson, then Minnesota Secretary of State. A board of directors was established and the first donation of $2000 was received, thus starting the allocation of grants in our community. Sue Cornwell stepped in as president of the Foundation and worked as president until 2003.
From 2003 on, the foundation has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth. By the end of 2011, the total of advised grants will be in excess of $18,000,000!
On May 18th, 2012, Patte Peterson, initial President of the Founders, will be hosting a 25th Anniversary celebration, which will be held at St. Mary's University. More detailed information about that event will be forthcoming.
The Foundation continues to grow rapidly, serving more donors than ever before in the Winona community. For that, we thank our following founders:
|
Ken Sebo |
Richard Blahnik |
Sue Cornwell |
Dr. James Daniel |
|
|
Tom Graham |
Pauline Knight |
Mark Kristensen |
Earl Laufenburger |
|
|
Lee Luebbe |
Gerry Neal |
Patte Peterson |
Richard Struck |
|
|
Mary Testor |
|
|
|
|