Hormel Foundation named top philanthropic organization for ‘13
Published 10:17 am Thursday, November 14, 2013
From left, Shelly Winemiller, director of Bella Voce Young Women’s Choir (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy); Bonnie Rietz and John Gray of The Hormel Foundation (Outstanding Philanthropic Organization); Paul Barton (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser); Stacey Vanden Heuvel (Outstanding Fundraising Professional); and Sharon and Al Tuntland (Outstanding Philanthropist) and members of Bella Voce. Not pictured: Mrs. Barbara Henoch on behalf of the 2013 AFP Southern Minnesota President’s Award in recognition of the late Phil Henoch. Photo provided
The Southern Minnesota Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognized the Hormel Foundation as its Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2013 at the AFP’s Outstanding Philanthropy awards luncheon Tuesday at the Rochester Ramada Hotel & Conference Center.
The Hormel Foundation was recognized for contributions to the Austin and Mower County communities to support many nonprofit programs and projects. The Hormel Foundation has contributed $102 million to the community since its inception in 1942, including $62 million since 2000, nearly $17 million for the 2006 to 2008 expansion and renovation of The Hormel Institute, $1.5 million for science labs at Austin High School, and $2 million for the Apple Lane Child Care Center completed in August.
In the past decade, the Foundation has awarded more than $9 million in grants to Austin Public Schools, supporting new technology for students, master’s degrees for teachers through a partnership with the University of Minnesota; and scholarships for Austin High School graduates to attend Riverland Community College if they otherwise could not afford a post-secondary education. Along with the Foundation’s local contributions, it has had a positive impact around the world, too, by providing $42 million for The Hormel Institute’s medical research aimed at discoveries for improving the health of humanity since 1942.
Former Austin mayor and Foundation Vice Chair Bonnie Rietz accepted the award on behalf of the Hormel Foundation.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals represents more than 30,000 members in 230 chapters around the world. It works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The Southern Minnesota Chapter of AFP was formed in 2003 and is made of 48 members from across Southern Minnesota.
The 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals Association awards:
•Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Paul Barton
•Outstanding Philanthropist: Al & Sharon Tuntland
•Outstanding Philanthropic Organization: The Hormel Foundation
•Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Bella Voce Young Women’s Choir
•Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Stacey Vanden Heuvel
•AFP Southern Minnesota President’s Award: Phil Henoch
