For all of us at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, November marks the beginning of a season of gratitude. Without our donors we would not be able to partner with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and other key stakeholders to imagine and construct extraordinary parks that help to reach the potential our public space can fulfill.

A wonderful tradition of generosity occurred last week across Minnesota – Give to the Max Day – where people statewide engaged in sharing stories of hope, asking friends to contribute, and expressed gratitude creatively. If you are reading this, then you likely received appeals and updates from us about how your giving supports the work of the Minneapolis Park System. Many of you chose to give on Nov. 14 – we raised more than $13,000 that day! Thank you.

Many more will choose to give before the end of the year, for which all of us here are very grateful. Your contributions at this time of year are critical for our ability to invest more deeply in our mission of delivering transformative parks that represent the values of our community.

A demonstration of your collective power was made visible recently when I had the privilege of presenting more than $4.7 million on behalf of Parks Foundation donors and RiverFirst Campaign Committee to the Minneapolis Park Board of Commissioners for the construction of Water Works. This contribution is the latest installment on our commitment to help create an iconic new destination overlooking St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Our contribution represents a collaborative effort of the community and includes generous support from companies and families that care deeply about the future of Minneapolis and believe with us that parks and public spaces have the power to connect us, heal us, and make us whole.

These moments of catalytic philanthropy are composed of hundreds of acts of generosity. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is emerging as a place where donors can be part of significant park-building efforts, as well as more intimate connections within the parks. As we expand our reach, we are committed to bringing our mission closer to each of you and sharing more stories of how your choice to contribute can make a difference in others’ lives.  

Whether it’s through supporting community engagement with the Minneapolis Slow Roll bike rides, creating space for Juxtaposition Arts youth apprentices in the parks design process, stocking Little Free Libraries in the parks with new books, or organizing community park events like Get Outdoors Day, the Parks Foundation transforms your generosity into real stories and life-changing park efforts.

From everyone at the Parks Foundation, Board and staff, we are grateful to all of the people who help us continue delivering on your behalf. With gratitude in our hearts – thank you!

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Featured image: The Parks Foundation paddled the Mississippi River with Juxtaposition Arts again this year, part of our on-going partnership bringing youth apprentices to parks design projects.