Fayne Copeland and David Speck

They may live halfway across the country, but Fayne Copeland and her husband, Dave Speck, keep northeastern Minnesota in their hearts. They were among the first Legacy Friends of the Northland, sharing their intention to include the Northland Foundation in their estate plans.

Copeland used to live in the region and was the Executive Director of the Youth Center, as well as the KIDS PLUS Coordinator, in Bovey-Coleraine. Then, as now, many families in Itasca County struggled with poverty and lack of afterschool activities for rural youth.

“During my time with the program, through KIDS PLUS, I was able to positively impact the lives of more than 900 youth and help them to build a strong foundation for their lives,” Copeland states.

Her dedication and compassion created lasting bonds. Although Fayne and Dave now live out of state, Fayne stays in touch with many of those she mentored as youth in Bovey-Coleraine—many of whom now have children of their own.

“The value of KIDS PLUS programming was so great that Dave and I wanted to leave a legacy that could continue that investment into the future,” she shares. “We strongly believe in and want to support the mission of serving the youth of northeastern Minnesota.”