Giving Back

Sara Swan

While Sara Swan has over two decades of experience in special education, she initially didn’t have plans to turn a one-off mentorship into a full-fledged organization.

The Minnesota Wakesurf Championship (MNWSC)

The Minnesota Wakesurf Championship (MNWSC) returns this month after being held virtually last year, and it’s more than just a competition.

Timber Bay's Minnetonka Christmas tree lot

Timber Bay supports youth through funding from its annual Christmas tree lots.

Lat14 and Lemongrass owner Ann Ahmed wears a Project Black and Blue apron by BA Craftmade Aprons

Project Black & Blue gives back to service workers struggling with physical or mental illnesses.

Someone hands a senior a gift from the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

Over the course of a month, Be A Santa To A Senior collects donated gifts and provides them to those who might not have close family, are on a fixed income, or both.

A dog up for adoption at Wayzata Brew Works' adoption event

Each year, about five local organizations are involved in Wayzata Brew Works' adoption event.

Two women at The Pink Social, an event benefiting breast cancer research.

The Pink Social started as a network-marketing party. Now it's a pink-filled night of fun to raise money for cancer research and support women who are battling breast cancer.

A hat made by Excelsior company Summit Creek Hat Co.

Excelsior native Tony Filippi founded Summit Creek Hat Co. last summer, inspired to create a line of hats and other products that make the wearer think about their favorite places in the world.

Joe Ryan, CEO and owner of Oppidan Investment Company

Joe Ryan’s worldview is simple: leave the world better than you found it.

As the CEO and owner of Oppidan Investment Company, a national property development firm based in Excelsior, Ryan knows he—and Oppidan—can make a real difference in the communities they serve.

Top Dog Foundation, Lake Minnetonka

While Top Dog Country Club has earned the unofficial title of the “un-kennel,” boasting Club Med-style digs for dogs when their owners are away, behind the hotel lies a cause that’s close to the owner’s heart

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