The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items.
Organizers of the event commented that it was a record year for ticket sales, with everyone in attendance happy to be supporting a great community organization.
Past PACF board member Chuck Aug was the emcee for this year’s event and kept the crowd entertained. Current PACF board member Gabby Kinneberg welcomed everyone to the evening’s activities and looked back at the year in review.
Reverend Kristine Hertsgaard Kincaid with Christ Lutheran Church provided the invocation followed by a few words of encouragement from Benya Kraus, President and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.
After enjoying a delicious meal and friendly service by the staff at The Branding Iron, it was time for the highlight of the evening, the guest speakers, Dave and Christi Dyke.
“Dave Dyke served 24 years in law enforcement in Southeast Minnesota, working patrol, investigations, hostage negotiations, undercover narcotics, and as a law enforcement instructor until a mental health crisis led to early retirement and reshaped his understanding of strength and survival,” according to information provided.
“Christi Dyke, a registered nurse, former Mayo Clinic ER RN, and Death Investigator for the Southeast Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, brings over 13 years of volunteer ambulance service, and a deep firsthand understanding of the toll emergency work takes on first responders – and the families who stand beside them,” stated the information given.
Together, Dave and Christi started Beneath the Badge (beneaththebadge.com), sharing their emotional and inspiring story of living with PTSD to others through speaking engagements.
Dave explains how difficult it is for first responders to ask for, or admit, that they need help because they are the ones that others normally depend on for help.
The crowd was glad to hear Dave say that now “there are more good days than bad,” for him.
The Dykes have published a book titled “Beneath the Badge: A Couple’s Fight for Hope Through PTSD.” The book confronts the impact that trauma has on first responders and their families.
As the live auction got underway after the meal, anxious bidders were prepared to raise their hands and get their checkbooks out for a great cause as Auctioneer Marc Prestby incentivized each bidder.
PACF Chairperson Mary Schwarz then announced the silent auction winners and gave a closing statement thanking everyone that attended, donated or helped in any way to create a successful event.
Dan Christianson and F&M Bank graciously offered to match fifty cents for each dollar raised on the live and silent auctions, as well as every donation made at the banquet.
The Mission Statement of PACF is “The Preston Area Community Foundation serves the greater Preston and Fountain areas by supporting programs and projects that improve the quality of life and build a stronger community,” which they have accomplished year after year.
Grant awards from the past year include City of Fountain – ballfield improvements and community mural, City of Preston EDA – Trout Route, Fillmore Central Schools – Community Ed Pre-K Curriculum, Fillmore County Ag Society – Big Barn restrooms, Fillmore County DAC – communicating technology ,and Monster Bash – building expansion.
Current directors of PACF include Mary Schwarz – chair, Jenna Root – vice chair, Brenda Reicks – treasurer, Barb Hanning – secretary, Aaron Fox, Deb Jeffers, Cori Larson, Matt Quanrud, Margaret Johnson, Alison Leathers, Carlisle Corson, Gabby Kinneberg and Shona Langseth.
Student advisors include Kyla Hellickson, Cora Britton, Cody Serfling and Elias Corson. Having the younger generation getting involved in community organizations and non-profits is appreciated.
For more information about PACF, visit smifoundation.org/preston.
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