The Minnewaska Laker Foundation exists to enhance Minnewaska Area Schools’ programs and facilities. The Foundation was formed in 2007 as a non-profit organization to support and improve activities programs at Minnewaska. The mission has since expanded to also support classroom excellence. The Laker Foundation helps promote academic, fine arts, music, and athletic activities by helping fund equipment, supplies, and special projects.
The Foundation seeks to emphasize academics and personal development through excellence in the classroom and quality activities and programs as well as create meaningful ties among the schools, alumni, and greater community.
Endowment Program
The purpose of the Minnewaska Laker Foundation Endowment Fund is to:
- Raise a significant amount of money.
- Invest and preserve the principal.
- Use the earnings generated by the principal to enhance and support school district programs and facilities.
The Fund earnings would be used for items “above and beyond” the items that are typically funded in the school budget (for example, classroom textbooks, furniture, maintenance expenses, consumable items and staff development are paid for by the School and not through the Fund). The Fund will provide lasting financial support for the Laker Foundation’s mission to support student excellence.
Special Naming Opportunities
Gifts of $5,000 or more, given according to an Endowment Program schedule adopted by the Minnewaska Area School Board, will entitle the donor to have an area in the Minnewaska schools named as the donor designates. The area will be “named” or “signed” with an official plaque, banner or marquee designating the selected area. Naming rights would be in place for the lifetime of the facility and/or as long as the facility is in use by the Minnewaska Area School District for educational purposes, unless otherwise agreed by the School and the donor. The gift amount, period for payment, area to be named and the language for naming will be set out in a contract between the donor and the Minnewaska Laker Foundation. This is an opportunity for recognition of businesses or individuals (either the donors themselves or in honor of others, such as family, friends, teachers, or administrators).
Major Available Naming Opportunities
Gifts at $150,000 or above, and given over 5 to 10 years or less
Level I:
MAHS Main
Gymnasium
Level II:
Performing Arts Center/
Auditorium;
MAHS Softball Complex
Level IV:
MAHS Tennis Courts; Bleachers (Preferred Seating)
in MAHS Gym
Other Naming Opportunities
Gifts given over 5 years or less
Level V1:
$50,000
Academic Wings, MS/HS Swimming Pool, MS/HS Media Center
Level VII:
$25,000
MAHS Auxiliary Gym, MAES Media Center, MAES Gyms, MS/HS Weight Room Suite, MS/HS Cafeteria, District Office Administrative Suite and Boardroom
Level VIII:
$10,000
Multiple naming rights opportunities in various rooms including Industrial Technology classrooms, Vocal/Choir or Instrumental Practice Rooms, and Music Classroom
Level IX:
$5,000
Multiple naming rights opportunities in various academic classrooms in the High School, Middle School, Elementary School, and W.I.N. Academy School
Learn More
Learn more about the Endowment Program, financial gifts, and Fund distribution. If you are interested in making a gift or have questions, please contact us at Foundationinfo@MinnewaskaLakerFoundation.org or complete the form below and send by email or regular mail.
Challenge Grants
Ivie Cooley and Susan Fossen
Naming the Art Suite
In Honor of Susan Fossen and Ivie Cooley
A generous couple is donating to the Laker Foundation endowment fund to name the Art Suite at MAHS in honor of two legendary art teachers, Susan Fossen and Ivie Cooley.
This donor is also challenging others to donate with a matching donation. If other contributions to the endowment fund in Mrs. Fossen's and Mrs. Cooley's honor meet or exceed a total of $5,000, this donor will match and contribute an additional $5,000 at the end of their pledge period. All donations to the Susan Fossen and Ivie Cooley Art Suite endowment fund challenge grant will count! Donations of $50, $100 or $200 are welcome and will help us achieve this goal!
Events
Taste on the Lake
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 • Lakeside Ballroom
Join us at the Taste on the Lake as we toast the positive benefits our athletic, arts and academic activities have on building successful young adults and strong communities. This event showcases wine, beer and spirits from near and far, and features Minnesota made products. Enjoy the view of Lake Minnewaska while sipping on your beverage and be sure to participate in the silent and live auction events.
Laker Classic
Monday, July 8, 2024 • Minnewaska Golf Club
The Laker Classic was established in 2003 as a fundraising event to assist in maintaining high-quality activity programs at Minnewaska Area High School.
The funds raised are used to purchase necessary equipment and supplies and fund special projects for our area youth. We encourage you to gather a few friends and join us on the links to tee it up for our kids!
Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Fall 2025 - Date TBD • Minnewaska House
Our local schools (Glenwood, Starbuck, Villard, Minnewaska Area) have produced many outstanding athletes, coaches, and individuals whose successes and contributions have led to a tradition of excellence and a source of pride for our communities. The goal of the Minnewaska Area Schools Athletic Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those achievements.
Get Involved
The Value of Activities for Students and the Community
The Laker Foundation is aware that the community values the educational opportunities afforded by participation in activities and wants to help assure this continues. On average, 75% of students in grades 7-12 participate in at least one school-sponsored activity. We hope to encourage even higher participation in the future. Activities support the academic mission of schools and are an extension of a good educational program. Students in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than students generally. Activity programs provide valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and hard work, and students learn self-discipline and leadership, build self-confidence, and develop skills that carry through the rest of their lives.
Board Members
- Bill Mills, President
- Greg Uhde, Vice President
- Marnie Gugisberg, Treasurer
- Breanna Sherlin, Secretary
- Rick Ekstrand, Past President
- Karna Peters, Past President
- Chad Barsness
- Chris Bennes
- Bridget Gallagher
- Zach Lagred
- Donna Braaten
- Neil Nelson
- Karna Palmer
- Heidi Polzin
- Jennifer Erickson
- Keshia Solem
- Brianna Zuber Beckwith
- Sheila Pfenninger
Make a Donation
Your donations are greatly appreciated and qualify as tax-deductible charitable donations.
Investing in the health of our schools and community is especially important during times when State and Federal funding is scarce and unpredictable. As community members, it is our right and responsibility to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to reach their full potential.
We invite you to participate in this special opportunity. Your gift will benefit countless generations of children and make it possible to expand and enhance the activities in the Minnewaska Area School District for our children today.
To contribute to the Minnewaska Laker Foundation, please donate online or fill out and mail in the Donation Form. Online Donations will be added to the Endowment Fund unless donors complete the Donation Form to indicate a different designation (for example, General Funds).
Contact
Questions or looking to get involved?
We’d love to hear from you!