|
|
The Pipestone Area Community Foundation awarded grants to 16 local organizations Thursday evening,
Nov. 6 during its second annual Grant Gala at the Schroeder Center in Pipestone. Pictured are grant recipients (back row, l-to-r) Erica Volkir, executive director of the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce; Kim Uilk,
representing the Rock Steady Boxing program at Pipestone County Medical Center; Bill Steuck with the Al Opland Singers; Dennis Kroll with Volunteers in Mercy; Dawn Schneider with the Pipestone Backpack program; Jess Peterson, ATLAS for Life director; Linsey Prunty with the Arts & Mentoring Project; Mark Thode, managing director of the Pipestone Performing Arts Center; (front row, l-to-r) Savannah Lange, president of the Pipestone Area Band Parents Association; Cristy Appel, veterans memorial committee chair; Jeremy Bush, representing Progress, Inc; Emily Blaeser representing the Calumet Players; Samantha Terry with the Pipestone Elementary Booster Club; Emily Boverhof, representing the Pipestone Farmer’s Market; Shelly Tuinstra, director of St. Paul Lutheran Preschool; and Tracee O’Grady, an advocate at the Southwest Crisis Center. Photo by Kyle Kuphal
The Pipestone Area Community Foundation (PACF) awarded $25,000 to 16 local organizations during its second annual Grant Gala Thursday evening, Nov. 6 at the Schroeder Center in Pipestone. The grants ranged in amount from $500 to $2,500.
PACF Board Chair Dawn Heidebrink said the Foundation tried to award grants to organizations that didn’t receive one last year, but that there was some groups that received grants both years.
“It was much harder this year to pick out the grants than it was last year, but it was good,” Heidebrink said. “We all went home feeling good about our choices and we’re just thrilled that you’re here.”
Below is a list of grant recipients, the amounts of the grants and what the organizations plan to do with the funds.
•The Pipestone Area Schools Backpack Program received $2,500 that will be used to provide food that is sent home with students in need over the weekends.
•The Southwest Crisis Center received $500 that will be used to help victims of domestic and sexual assault, trafficking and child abuse in emergency situations.
•Progress, Inc. received $1,500 to help replace a van used to transport their clients, who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, to and from work.
•The Calumet Players received $1,000 to help with their production of “Little Women” in February.
•The Arts & Mentoring Project received $1,000 to provide curriculum, scripts, stage materials and scholarships to assist families that have a financial hardship.
•The city of Pipestone received $2,000 for the Power of Produce program at the Pipestone Farmers Market, which provides tokens to children ages 3 to 12 and senior citizens age 60 and up to purchase fresh produce.
•ATLAS for Life received $1,500 that will be used for programs it provides for kids.
•The Al Opland Singers received $1,000 for their spring 2026 production, “Music of the Heart.”
•The Pipestone Elementary Booster Club received $2,000 to purchase indoor recess items for elementary students.
•Michael-Boock American Legion Post 6 received $2,500 for the Pipestone Veterans Memorial.
•St. Paul Lutheran Preschool received $1,500 for playground and classroom and equipment.
•Volunteers in Mercy received $500 to help people in southwest Minnesota who are struggling.
•Pipestone County Medical Center received $1,500 for equipment, coach training and financial assistance for the Rock Steady Boxing program, which helps patients with Parkinson’s.
•The Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce received $2,500 for books that will be handed out to children who visit Santa when he comes to Pipestone on Saturday, Dec. 6.
•The Pipestone Area Band Parents Association received $2,500 to buy instruments so kids from families that can’t afford them can participate in band.
•The Pipestone Performing Arts Center received $1,000 for its presenter series show “The Selena Experience” in May.
The PACF’s mission is to connect resources to build the community. It is an affiliate of the Southwest Initiative Foundation.