Boreal Community Media,
Boreal.org
Grand Marais, MN, November 20, 2023 – On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, over 20 Cook County non-profits gathered at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts for the 2nd Dessert to the Max event. Each organization offered a sweet treat for attendees to enjoy, a friendly face, a door prize, and highlights of upcoming events or work they’ve recently done. The event, which was hosted by Boreal Community Media, aimed to celebrate and support local non-profits, the work they’ve done, and their staff and volunteers.
“It was really fun having so many people and organizations under one roof and we are so grateful for everyone who came out,” said Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Digital Content Editor for Boreal Community Media. “Most seemed to really enjoy being able to chat, learn, and connect with each other. I think many made meaningful connections. I know we at Boreal did.”
The last portion of the event included a short presentation by Erik Torch, Executive Director of the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, on the importance of non-profits in Cook County. Karen Blackburn, Director of Cook County Higher Education, was the event MC and introduced Torch, followed by assisting in giving away door prizes. Over 20 prizes were awarded to attendees, including a grand prize of a 2-night stay at Bluefin Bay, graciously donated by Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
While the community connections were a main highlight, the desserts offered by each organization were also a hit. At the end of the evening, organizations that didn’t want to take leftovers home had the opportunity to donate them to the Empty Bowls Bake Sale, which was taking place the following morning. An Empty Bowls board member and other volunteers graciously helped organizations package up their treats and bring them to the sale.
“Excuse the pun, but it was really such a treat to be able to continue the community aspect of the event beyond the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. We are grateful that Empty Bowls could use the extra treats to raise money for organizations in the community who are working to address food insecurity,” Durenberger-Grunow said.
A list of organizations represented at the event are:
Boreal Community Media
Grand Marais Playhouse
Cook County Higher Education
North House Folk School
Care Partners of Cook County
Oddz & Endz
Great Expectations School
North Point
Arrowhead Animal Rescue
Pincushion Ski & Run Club
The Story Laboratory LLC
Cook County Local Energy Project
Northwoods Food Project
Grand Maris Lions Club
Cook County Historical Society
Starry Skies North
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic
WTIP Community Radio
Let’s Plant Trees
Hamilton Habitat
Cook County School District 166 Education Foundation
Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation
