How a Move Away Deepened a Commitment to Home for Jenna and Pete Ray 

Jenna and Pete Ray met as students at the University of Minnesota Morris. It was a happy accident that Jenna landed in Morris. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, Jenna followed a good friend to Morris and learned about the wonderful intersection of the community and college campus that still prevails.   

While the couple intended to stay in the area for two years after graduation, two quickly became 12 years, only moving for an opportunity to make a greater impact on their rural community, from the Twin Cities. 

Jenna, Pete, and their young son, Max, look forward to coming back to the region whenever they can. “To be seen and heard by your community is a true gift,” Jenna shared. “Unique to greater Minnesota—specifically, west central Minnesota—is how deeply connected and involved we are as a community.  There is a strong sense of commitment that makes this region a great place to call home.” 

Early Generosity 

A granddaughter from the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, Jenna recalls family as being caretakers of the community, and always generous.   

Pete’s deep sense of community service stems from being raised on a farm near Barrett, Minnesota, where neighbors help neighbors. 

Growing up, their families didn’t talk much about money, but faith-based giving was something both witnessed as their earliest philanthropic experience. 

Generosity as Philanthropy 

We can make all kinds of assumptions related to wealth and philanthropy, but we know that real solutions to big problems happen collectively with support from businesses, families, and individuals, whether $5 or $500. No gift is too small to have a significant impact on a region. 

As donors, the Rays appreciate that West Central Initiative invites everyone to the table to consider how their gift can provide the greatest lift for the community and future generations. They explain, “Sharing a vision for what’s possible and having the courage to invest in something bigger than yourself is an opportunity to be celebrated.” 

Jenna appreciates how West Central Initiative shows up for the community, offering two unique perspectives across the region. As a community foundation, West Central Initiative raises, invests, and administers funds to support communities. As a planning organization, West Central Initiative also offers programs that create growth opportunities across 82 cities, nine counties, and White Earth Nation. 

“West Central Initiative is intentional and thoughtful in inviting the community to participate by sharing their time, talent, and treasure in response to needs,” Jenna said. “We are grateful to be connected to a region that shows up as partners in this important work.” 

The Rays’ commitment reflects the quiet power of investing in a region that has given so much in return. 

Visit our Regional Giving page if you would like to learn how you can partner with us to make a difference in your community.