Generosity bridges past, present, and future

Commitment of Legacy Friends of the Northland and Emeritus Trustee Group members highlighted with special display

Wall display photo

Diane Rauschenfels, Immediate Past Chair and

first Legacy Friend of the Northland member, looks

over the tempered glass recognition wall.

The next time you visit the Northland Foundation office, take a few minutes to look over the newest addition — a star-covered glass wall display. Mounted near the reception desk and board room, the display honors some very special people: the Legacy Friends of the Northland and the Emeritus Trustee Group.

Currently, there are 12 Legacy Friends stars which represent those who have stated their intention to include a gift to the Northland Foundation in their estate plans. They include trustees, staff, and close community partners who want to leave a legacy that reflects their values and will support the work of the Foundation beyond their lifetime.

“These stars represent great friends who have given their time, talent, and treasure in numerous ways in the past and continue to be among our best allies.”
—Tony Sertich, President

The 14 stars for the Emeritus Trustee Group (soon to be 16) recognize the former Board Trustees who continue to be connected to Northland and serve as ambassadors for the Foundation. They offer a wide breadth of expertise and continuity extending from the roots of the Foundation in the mid-1980s through today.

It is a privilege to be associated with these generous supporters who continue give back to the people and communities of northeastern Minnesota.

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If you are interested in learning more about Legacy Friends of the Northland, please contact Zane Bail at the Northland Foundation. She can help answer questions or arrange a meeting with you.

Past board members provide historical perspective and ambassadorship in expanded Emeritus Trustee Group

The occasion of the Northland Foundation’s 25th anniversary in 2011 was the quintessential “time flies when you’re having fun” moment. Staff and Board Trustees wanted to capture the stories of the people who have played key roles in starting, growing, and guiding the Foundation over the years.

Phil Anderson photo

Trent Janezich, 1st Vice Chair of the current Board,

(left) listens as Phil Anderson, an original Trustee,

shares a story at the May lunch gathering.

A group of former Board Trustees, most of whom had served a leadership role such as Chair, was invited to explore the idea of creating a formal way to stay linked to the Northland Foundation. When the Northland’s 30th anniversary rolled around in 2016, it was clear that the Emeritus Trustee Group concept was beneficial. Members engaged in special events, received "insider updates", shared their unique insights, served as ambassadors in their communities, and helped connect other people to the work of the Foundation.

“When I stepped into Tom Renier's shoes as President in January 2015, I felt so fortunate to have both current and former Board Trustees available to tap into,” said Tony Sertich. “Our current Board of Trustees wanted to take the initial idea and expand the opportunity to all past Trustees, and that is what we have done.”

Letters were mailed in February to former Board members, several of whom responded affirmatively. There are now 16 official Emeritus Trustee Group members, and the invitation remains open. Current and former Trustees are among our greatest champions. We will continue to maintain and strengthen connections with them.