The Owatonna Foundation will celebrate Owatonna Foundation Week October 5th through the 11th and invites the public to join in the festivities.

The week celebrates all that has been accomplished in the past 58 years through the generosity of the Owatonna community and their support of the Owatonna Foundation whose mission is: “to improve the quality of life for present and future generations by supporting Owatonna projects that focus on community, education, the arts and recreation.”

Established in 1957, the Owatonna Foundation has enhanced our community with a focus on capital projects. The Owatonna Foundation has financially supported the Central Park Bandstand, the trail system, Hospitality House, the Owatonna Public Library, Homestead Hospice House, River Springs Water Park, and Steele County History Center, among others. Over $11.5 million dollars has been given back to the community.

On Thursday, October 8^th, the Foundation will host their Legacy Luncheon to honor those donors who have included the Owatonna Foundation as part of their estate plan or made a contribution through the “Living Legacy” program.  The keynote speaker will be Jim Martineau, founder of Viracon, Inc., the leading commercial glass fabricator in the world. Jim’s topic will be “Community Activism—More Leaders for Tomorrow”. The lunch will also feature the presentation of the “Spirit of the Community Award” which will this year be presented to the Wenger Family.

Also on Thursday, October 8^th, Cash Wise Liquor and the Holiday Inn will join in the festivities by co-sponsoring a Wine and, new this year, Beer Tasting Fundraiser. The evening will feature wines, Minnesota breweries, and wonderful food.  Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door and may be purchased at the Foundation Office at 108 West Park Square, Cashwise Liquor, from a Board Trustee, Kottke Jewelers, or through Eventbrite.com. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn & Suites and begins at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Owatonna Foundation to support their grant and scholarship programs.

Friday night, October 9^th, join Foundation representatives at the OHS football field for some hometown spirit as the Huskies play against Rochester Century. We’ll be distributing t-shirts to the crowd at half-time!

On Saturday, October 10^th the Owatonna Foundation office will be open from 8am until noon at 108 West Park Square across from Central Park. Stop in and enjoy a video presentation and see all the projects that the Foundation has supported while you enjoy coffee from Central Park Coffee and cookies from Old Town Bagels.

“We invite everyone to join us for this great week of activities that celebrates Owatonna and all the wonderful amenities that enhance our quality of life each day. Through the generosity of many, the Foundation has been able to support many worthwhile projects that make Owatonna the amazing community that it is. The Foundation has literally touched every Owatonna resident in one way or another and I’m proud to be a part of that as a Trustee of the Foundation.” said Dave Einhaus, Board President.

The Owatonna Foundation was established in 1957 with the goal of improving the quality of life for present and future generations of Owatonna residents. Since then, the Owatonna Foundation has committed more than $11.5 million dollars in grants and scholarships to local organizations and students. For more information, visit the Owatonna Foundation web page at www.owatonnafoundation.org. or call our office at 455-2995.