Generosity & Impact

Generosity & Impact

How a Move Away Deepened a Commitment to Home for Jenna and Pete Ray
ByCamille Pearson Walz January 13, 2026March 3, 2026

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…

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Community | Generosity & Impact

Empowering Youth in Fergus Falls Through Key Club
ByAshley Quam December 29, 2025

Community goes beyond just sharing a space. It means actively participating in the community’s growth and well-being. For students at Fergus Falls High School, this belief has been a great motivation. As part of a class assignment, the students began brainstorming ways to better the school and community. They developed the idea of a group of students, originally named Fergus Falls Community Service Society (FFCSS), who go into the community to do volunteer…

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Community | Generosity & Impact

Things Are Growing Inside and Out at the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes
ByAmanda Quam December 19, 2025March 3, 2026

The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes, Inc., now has an outdoor classroom, a hydroponic farm, and endless opportunities for plants and youth to grow year-round! The Hydroponic Farm The hydroponic farm education program is a unique program that not only offers educational opportunities for the Boys & Girls Club members but also provides access to tasty, nutritious food. Youth have…

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Generosity & Impact

Steve Kent Is Planting Seeds of Kindness
ByCamille Pearson Walz October 13, 2025March 2, 2026

For Steve Kent, caring for the community began at an early age. He helped neighbors mow lawns, rake leaves, or shovel snow, not because he expected to be paid, but because it was, and still is, the right thing to do. Now, at age 69, he’s still helping neighbors, but he traded his shovel for…

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Generosity & Impact

West Central Initiative Distributes $360,000 in Grant Funds from the Otto Bremer Trust
ByAshley Quam September 22, 2025

Seven local nonprofits received grants of up to $75,000 West Central Initiative was selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic intermediary partner to administer and distribute funds through its Community Responsive Fund. “These dedicated organizations are meeting critical needs while also building long-term strength for our region,” said West Central Initiative Grants Officer…

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Community | Generosity & Impact

From Malaysia to Moorhead: Bridging Culture and Community Across Our Region
ByCamille Pearson Walz September 16, 2025March 3, 2026

Yoke-Sim Gunaratne is a familiar face in the Fargo-Moorhead area. She’s the Executive Director of Cultural Diversity Resources and received a 2024 Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor award for her tireless work in the community. Yoke-Sim’s journey to becoming a trusted community leader in Fargo-Moorhead began in Malaysia. She was raised in Kuala…

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Generosity & Impact

Pickleball Strengthens Community Connection Across Otter Tail County
ByIsabel Fynboh June 24, 2025March 3, 2026

Across our region, communities are adding a new amenity—pickleball courts! Pickleball, originally developed in 1965, blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to create a fast-paced, active game enjoyed by people of all ages. The sport encourages movement, connection, and fun, and is easy to learn. It only requires a paddle, a ball, access to…

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Generosity & Impact

West Central Initiative Awards Grants to 55 Regional Organizations
ByIsabel Fynboh June 12, 2025March 3, 2026

West Central Initiative awarded grants totaling $570,000 to 55 organizations working across the region to address sustainability, equity, and civic engagement. “These grants represent more than just funding—they’re a collective investment in a stronger region,” said Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen. “We’re honored to support organizations whose work uplifts our communities and sets ripples…

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Generosity & Impact

Giving While Living: Sharing in Abundance Locally and Globally
ByCamille Pearson Walz June 6, 2025March 3, 2026

Dan and Lisa Malmstrom have long believed that the best way to steward their gifts is to give generously to others in the region and world during their lifetime. The couple’s giving principles are faith-based, reflected most notably in the biblical parable of the barns. “We believe our talents, opportunities, and harvest are all provided…

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Generosity & Impact

West Central Initiative Awards More Than $114,000 in Grants from Personally Endowed Funds
ByAshley Quam April 3, 2025

Funds benefit organizations serving the Fergus Falls, Perham, and Dent communities West Central Initiative awarded 54 grants totaling more than $114,000 to organizations serving the Fergus Falls, Perham, and Dent communities from three personally endowed funds. “The Deloris Barnack Kenner, Floyd and Harriet Miller, and Inga M. Johnson Funds were established to create lasting impacts…

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