Highland Friendship Club

A big thank you to the "Teammate" sponsors of HFC's Lanes for Friendship fundraiser. We’re filled with gratitude for their generous contribution. Fan HQ, Minnesota Twins, and Mauer Automotive Group are driving the HFC mission forward! Their support has truly put us in the fast lane toward building a community for people with disabilities. Tony Leseman Shaun Hagglund Haley Zabel Jeff Gerst Kristin Rortvedt Julie Vavruska Jon Vavruska #FullThrottleSupport #DrivenByGenerosity #CruisingForACause #NonprofitSupport #mauerautogroup #GrandSlamSupport #HittingItOutOfThePark #ThankYou #BaseballForACause #NonprofitHeroes #Twins #mntwins #GivingBack #CommunitySupport #NonprofitImpact #Grateful #joemauer #fanhq

Thank you to the "All-Star" sponsors at HFC's Lanes for Friendship fundraiser. UNRL, TruStone Financial Credit Union, Kemps LLC, CCI Properties, and Blaze Credit Union. We are beyond thankful for their incredible generosity. This support is impacting our mission, helping people with disabilities make friends and connect to the community. Thank you for helping us create positive change! Sam G. Lisa Meyer Miranda Atkinson Alissa Runyon Stephanie Johnson Marianne Kipp Megan (Conley) Talbot Tim McNiff Lisa Lehman Mark Lehman Robin Grimes Brian Thomas May Karen Greisinger Kendra Greisinger Ben Campbell Janine Oxley Jackson, SPHR, SHRM-CP Nicole Miner Marleena Koskinen, SHRM-CP Lisa Sheppard Ed Holmes Will Reedy Briar Volkman Grant Olmscheid Ryan Preese

Thank you to The Advocate Group, an MVP corporate partner and sponsor of the HFC fundraiser Lanes for Friendship. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which is helping HFC make a difference in the lives of the members we serve by making friends, creating memories, and fostering a sense of belonging in a community. #Grateful #CommunitySupport #PartnershipForGood #TheAdvocateGroup #NonprofitSupport Michael Corrigan Sean Corrigan Grant Albin BENJAMIN WEHMAS Emily Meisinger, CFP? Scott Hartzell Joshua Wicks Samantha Albee Bailey Norby, CFP?, ChFC?, MBA

Today we celebrated our partnership with Minnesota Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact initiative. “This day is a celebration of our incredible nonprofit community here in the Twin Cities, bringing together 16 youth-serving nonprofits to celebrate our collective impact, foster connections, and offer learning opportunities. We had the pleasure of shining a spotlight on each organization throughout this inaugural year of the At Bat For Impact initiative, […] and we can't wait to celebrate the power of collaboration in building a better tomorrow for the next generation.” – MN Twins This partnership highlighted HFC at Minnesota Twins games in July and donated $5,000 to help support HFC’s annual Really Big Game. The RBG was bigger than ever, with new and returning HFC members excited to play adaptive baseball for a crowd of cheering fans. Thank you for everyone who made it happen. Hannah Bremer Kristin Rortvedt Jan Engkasser Patty Dunn Lisa Thompson Ryan Hahler Sue Furry and everyone else behind the scenes.

Happy Monday! Every Monday, we highlight an important person from Highland Friendship Club. We call it “Member Monday” which includes HFC members, volunteers, staff, caregivers, board members, and supporters. All these people are an important part of the HFC community. Meet Program Coordinator Alyssa Kohorst. Alyssa joined HFC in September 2024 and “have been loving every moment since!” ? Why did you want to work with HFC? “I joined HFC because I’m passionate about positively impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities. HFC’s mission to create opportunities for social inclusion and personal growth resonates with me. I’m excited to be part of a community that fosters connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging for everyone involved!” ? How do you see HFC affecting members and the Twin Cities communities? “HFC is making a real difference for its members and the Twin Cities! For our members, it’s all about building friendships and exploring new interests.?For the community, HFC is all about inclusion. By connecting people of all abilities, we’re fostering understanding and compassion. Together, we’re creating a more connected and caring Twin Cities!” ? Why is disability awareness important? “Disability awareness is important because it helps break down barriers, promotes inclusivity, and creates a more compassionate society. By increasing understanding, we can challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and advocate for the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, is given the respect, access, and opportunities they deserve.” ? Where can HFC members meet you? “I’m usually at Monday programs like Walking Club, Mindful Movement, Arts and Crafts, and Game Hour. I also love attending Line Dancing and Rhythm and Movement on Thursday nights, so feel free to say hi if you see me there!” ? What is a fun fact about you that other members and staff may not know? “I love Minnesota sports, and I’m also passionate about swimming. I’m currently a part-time swim coach! Oh, and watermelon is my absolute favorite food!” ? Alyssa has already made a huge impact on HFC and our members, we are happy to have her on the team. Thank you, Alyssa!

It’s Thank You Thursday! So many people contribute to the success of HFC, and we’d like to take a moment to thank them.?TruStone Financial Credit Union?are true friends. TruStone has sponsored HFC events including the Really Big Game and Lanes For Friendship. LisaMarie, SVP, Director of MN Branches, serves on the board. Every year TruStone employees come to the HFC office to volunteer. Last month, Shaina, Katie, Sheila, Paris, and Rachel Jacobson organized cards, made tie blankets, hung up artwork, and chatted with HFC members. Thank you Ta'Shawnda Royals for coordinating and thank you TruStone! Lisa Meyer #highlandfriendshipclub?#trustone?#trustonefinancial?#creditunion?#cudifference?#nonprofit?#thankfulthursday

Thank you Sean Corrigan for nominating HFC for iHeartMedia KFAN and Bell Bank 's Pay It Forward promotion! HFC is thrilled to be today's recipient!

We cannot do it alone! Thank you to everyone who supports Highland Friendship Club, including our VIP sponsors for this year's Lanes for Friendship Fundraiser! The FS Foundation, The Advocate Group, TruStone Financial Credit Union Blaze Credit Union, Mauer Automotive Group, UNRL, CCI Properties, Fan HQ, Jennie-O Turkey Store and Kemps LLC, University of Minnesota baseball and softball.

Happy Monday! Every Monday, we highlight an important person from Highland Friendship Club. We call it “Member Monday” which includes HFC members, volunteers, staff, caregivers, board members and supporters. All these people are an important part of the HFC community. Meet Anna, Program Staff since July 2024. Why did you join HFC? "I joined HFC because I firmly believe that anybody can communicate and create meaningful connections. I wanted a chance to be a part of facilitating an opportunity for others to do that." How do you see HFC affecting members and the Twin Cities communities? "I think HFC provides members an opportunity to engage in fellowship with peers and truly create a friend group. It also benefits the entire Twin Cities community to take notice of the impact that our members can make and the amazing fun we can all have as a group." Why should people work or volunteer with HFC? "First off, it is so FUN! You get a chance to meet a lot of new people, and you can learn so much from the members." Why is disability awareness important? "I think when people see others that look different than themselves, (disability or not) there is immediately a judgment and assumption made. Sharing that people should always “assume competency” is a big part of my advocacy for disability awareness. People with disabilities can have meaningful connections and build friendships just like everyone else. There is no need for judgment." What is a fun fact about you that other members and staff may not know? "Some might have picked up on this, but I am a HUGE sports lover. Vikings, Cubs, and the Twins will always be on in my house. I grew up hosting Northwoods League collegiate players in the summer with my family. We still host to this day!" Where can HFC members meet you? "Come in person to programs on Monday and I will be there! Otherwise, Fit with Friends, Karaoke on Saturday nights, and Sunday Zumba and Bingo/Gameshow!"