River Valley Band of Hastings and Eagan Art Festival named runners-up
Dakota Electric Association named Kids ‘n Kinship, Apple Valley, as the local 2016 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner. River Valley Band of Hastings and Eagan Art Festival were named runners-up, and each of the non-profits received a plaque and a check for $500.
“Dakota Electric is proud to be able to recognize these organizations doing great work in our local communities,” said Greg Miller, Dakota Electric’s president and chief executive officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to our local communities and this is one way we encourage and honor those who are like-minded.”
Kids ‘n Kinship is a preventive mentoring program serving children and youth ages 5 to 16 who are in need of positive role models. They serve about 120 kids annually living within Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount. The organization matches carefully screened and trained volunteers with a child who is in need of a positive role model.
River Valley Band of Hastings seeks to provide a place for musicians to grow in their musician-ship, to perform for their enjoyment and to enrich the lives of those in the audience through the beauty of music.
The Eagan Art Festival, part of Dakota Center for the Arts, seeks to provide arts access to the community in a festive setting that allows patrons to listen to music, view a variety of artwork and provide an opportunity for hands-on activities for all ages.
The Touchstone Energy Community Award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community.
The Kids ‘n Kinship award application will be submitted to the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from local award winners throughout Minnesota and will receive $1,000. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be announced in February, during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul.
