Today I want to share with you an opportunity to invest in a committee that is near and dear to my heart. As a resident of Wanmingo, I like to think I have a positive impact on the future growth of our town. Last month I wrote an article about Gary Bakko's new book about the history of Wanamingo. I explained how a donation to the Community Foundation of $100.00 would be the way to reserve your copy of the book. The proceeds will benefit everyone in town, because it goes to projects being built that residents have asked for, like the Pickleball Court and other opportunities that will enhance our enjoyment of the place we call home. If you haven't gotten your copy yet, please contact the Community Foundation for questions, or to see a copy of this spectacular accumulation of 450 pages of our town's history, complete with pictures of our past.
The Wanamingo Community Foundation was started in 1991 within the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Community Funds program. Wanamingo was the first community foundation within this program that now boasts thirty-four towns, including recently added Kenyon. The foundation exists to build a brighter future for our community by uniting people and resources to address the most important challenges we face. The Foundation has been known as a conduit for charitable donations for projects such as the Community Center, swimming pool, volleyball courts, playground equipment, original walking trail bridge, several ballfield improvements, and the Veterans’ Memorial, to name afew. Numerous projects are ongoing as a work in progress. However, there has been accelerated focus on a future pickleball court recently, and on the growth of the endowment fund.
The community is raising funds for a pickleball court that will be constructed at Torkelson park near Nelson Drive and 5 th Street E (North of the Community Garden).. The pickleball fund has accrued roughly $8,000 thus far, with a goal of $20,000 to work in conjunction with the City on a proposed $120,000 project. The endowment fund is a permanent investment fund where the original principal gift is kept intact and invested to generate a steady stream of income through earned interest to support the Wanamingo Community Foundation indefinitely. The plan is to eventually provide grants from the investment interest earnings. The endowment fund has roughly $30,000 now, with a goal of growing the fund to $100,000.
Through direct gifts, bequests, and donations, the foundation invests in projects that foster cooperation, strengthen connections between past and future generations, and create lasting improvements for everyone in Wanamingo. Each contribution helps ensure that our community continues to thrive, with support reaching local programs and initiatives that matter most to our neighbors.
On November 20th , “Give to the Max Day”, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact right here at home. By giving to the Wanamingo Community Foundation, you’re not only supporting today’s needs but also investing in tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we can create significant and widely shared results that benefit every corner of our community. Your gift—no matter the size—will help build a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Wanamingo for generations to come. For each dollar you donate, the larger Southern Minnesota initiative foundation will donate 25 cents. Donors can either designate their donation to a specific fund or help to grow the endowment fund. Donations can be sent to PO Box 224 Wanamingo, MN 55983 or though https://wanamingofoundation.org/.
Thank you for considering this project that will be a blessing for not only today, but for generations to come!
