About Town - Fireworks

Local Philanthropy Benefits
Parks & Recreation Facilities
And Activities
If you notice new trees and benches at Edina parks this
winter, landscaping outside City Hall this spring or air
conditioning at the Grange Hall this summer, you have the
generosity of Edina area donors to thank. In 2011, the City
of Edina’s Parks & Recreation Department received more
than $80,000 from local businesses, residents and other
philanthropic sources.
“The outpouring from residents, businesses, clubs and
civic organizations last year was amazing,” said John
Keprios, Parks & Recreation Director. “In some way, shape
or form, their philanthropy benefits all Edina residents.”
The uses for these funds are almost as diverse as the
sources from which they came. “Some donations help
financially disadvantaged families register their children
in Parks & Rec programs and use the Edina Aquatic
Center during the summer months,” Keprios said.
Other endowments are set aside for acquiring new or
refurbishing existing park amenities, including benches,
drinking fountains and picnic tables.
Donations are also crucial to the success of annual events,
including those coordinated by the Edina Art Center.
“For instance, it’s thanks to generous donations that the
Edina Film Festival had such a successful first year,” noted
Michael Frey, interim Art Center Director. Financial gifts
also support workshops, The Author’s Studio series and
children’s programming.
“These gifts to the community, from the community,
contribute to the uncommonly high quality of life that
makes Edina such a special place to live,” Keprios said.
Those who made donations of $300 or more to the Edina
Parks & Recreation Department in 2011 were:
Given From/Though For
Kristine & Andrew Mullman Courtney Fields bench,
in memory of Dale
Nelson
Linda & Dave Mona Edina Art Center Robin
Hopper Workshop
Edina Community Foundation Edina Film Festival from
Parmater Productions
Zibby Nunn York Park Tree Plantings
$500 or more:
Andy & Michele Herring Grant from Herring
Family Fund of the
Minneapolis Foundation
Edina Community Foundation Edina Film Festival from
Blue Plate Restaurant Co.
Carol Urness Edina Art Center
Edina Community Foundation Peggy Kelly Memorial
Fund Grant for EAC
May Celebration
Fairview Health Services 1000 Foundation
Sponsorship
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