The “Early Days” weren’t all that long ago!

Mayor Elizabeth Kautz knows an opportunity when she sees one!  When the Heart of the City redevelopment district was beginning to take shape in 1998, public art was to be an important piece.  The Ames family had expressed interest in donating a sculpture (The Pioneer), and if a community non-profit organization were formed, that would provide a pass-through vehicle.  Furthermore, a community foundation could raise money for other projects as well.  With the help of Bill Perron’s expertise in the legal requirements for non-profit organizations, the Burnsville Community Foundation was born.

Winter lighting and lighted snowflakes became the next project, one that has grown each year.  The Foundations’ founding contributors were the first to fund this program that is now in its eleventh year and delights residents and visitors from Thanksgiving through mid-February.

When Nicollet Commons Park was established, the Foundation began to raise money through paver sales.  Inscribed pavers memorialize weddings, anniversaries, graduations and other significant events in our citizens’ lives.  They remember loved ones who have passed on.  A special path has been dedicated to the founding contributors.  In 2010, a Walk of Honor will be paved in honor of our military service personnel.

As it has grown, the Foundation has raised money for The Centrifuge sculpture and fountain in Nicollet Commons Park, architectural memorial park benches and trash receptacles located in the Heart of the City and other spots in the city and defibrillators in City Hall.  The Foundation has awarded grants to the YMCA, Dakota Symphony, the Girl Scouts, the River Ridge Academy of Music.  For the past several years, an individual has funded the medallion for the Medallion Hunt on Fire Muster weekend.  And the Foundation and its Board Members have made significant contributions to the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. The list continues to grow!

Former President Bonnie Featherstone, now an ex-officio member of the board sums up the spirit of the Foundation:
            “This is a safe place to give your money!  It is managed well!  The Foundation Board is very protective of the money given to it, and it is very protective of the community.  Its goal is to enhance it and make it beautiful for all.  Even AED’s (defibrillators) are beautiful, because there is nothing more beautiful than saving a life!”

Current President, Alan Spillers adds that of the money contributed to the Foundation, more than 90% goes directly to the project.

How can you be part of this history?  Volunteer!  Contribute—either to an existing project or fund or set up a donor-advised fund.  Call Alan Spillers at 952-953-7442!