BEMIDJI — The Northwest Minnesota Foundation recently recognized three people and three organizations for their roles in strengthening communities across the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's 12-county region.
Each awardee was presented with a gift of pottery from Planet A Clay, created by Bemidji artist Butch Holden, and received a $1,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, except the philanthropy award, which instead received $1,000 to fund itself.
Jane Evans of Roseau was named the recipient of the Ruth Edevold Award for Excellence in Leadership. The award is named for the foundation's first executive director, recognizing excellence in leadership and nonprofit organizational success.
Evans has held leadership roles with the Jaycee Women/Women of Today, her church and a variety of youth programs that support children and families in Roseau. In her years of serving on the Roseau Park Board, she is also credited with bringing a community splash pad and skate park to Roseau.
"Evans continues to give back as a board member for LifeCare Health Care Funds, Mission in Motion and the Evans Charitable Fund, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing health, faith, and community vitality across Roseau County," a news release stated.
The organization BIO Girls also received a Ruth Edevold Award for Nonprofit Excellence in recognition of its work to improve the mental health of young girls across the region.
The nonprofit, founded in 2013, reaches 3,000 girls annually across 120 sites, including more than a dozen in Northwest Minnesota.
"With 7 in 10 participants reporting higher self-esteem and half experiencing less anxiety, BIO Girls equips girls to be kind, empathetic, confident and resilient," a news release stated.
Community Compass Awards were presented to one organization and two individuals for their work and efforts to "build tomorrow's best future," according to a release.
Advance Thief River, an economic development nonprofit for the Thief River Falls area, was a Community Compass recipient.
"Guided by a broad board and dedicated volunteers, Advance Thief River has been instrumental in shaping Thief River Falls into a thriving regional hub and continues to drive prosperity, inclusivity and resilience for future generations," stated a news release.
Andrew Erholtz and Mitch Rautio, both of Bemidji, were also recognized with Community Compass Awards.
Erholtz is the founder of Vision Properties Management in Bemidji, and a key leader in advancing the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Youth Mitigation Fund, which helps expand housing opportunities for youth.
"Beyond his work in housing, Erholtz served as a children’s minister for 17 years at Tenstrike Community Church and volunteered for 12 years in the Blackduck public schools," stated a news release.
Rautio was recognized with a Community Compass Award for his leadership in Bemidji's business and community development.
He is currently leading the Mountain View Meadows project to expand moderate-income housing, and has previously built supportive housing for individuals overcoming substance abuse, according to a release.
"Through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations like North Star Neighbors, Rautio illustrates how private-sector leadership can align with mission-driven housing initiatives to expand affordable housing options," a release stated.
Finally, the Community Philanthropy Award was presented to the Thief River Falls Area Community Fund.
Since its founding in 2015, the fund has awarded more than 50 grants to support youths, seniors, social needs and quality of life.
"Known for energizing events like its popular Murder Mystery Dinner and the upcoming Family Feud Fundraiser, the fund continues to engage donors and volunteers through creative and community-spirited events that strengthen the Thief River Falls area," a news release stated.
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