LACF Annual Banquet Attendance Continues to Grow

Those attending the 2026 Lanesboro Area Community Foundation (LACF) Annual Banquet in Lanesboro, Minn., on April 20, felt as if they were at a garden party, with flowers in vases, flower shaped candies, flower petals and flower and vegetable seed packets found on each table. 

“Strong communities don’t just happen – they grow; Come Grow With Us,” stated the program for the evening. There were many tie-ins to the garden party theme, including the fact that attendance at the annual event continues to “grow” each year. 

LACF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the Lanesboro area.  Since 2017 LACF has helped to support over 77 projects with grants totaling over $162,000.  This year alone grants totaling $29,000 were dispersed to 14 deserving and grateful recipients.

Tom Smith, LACF President, welcomed attendees to the event and introduced guest speaker Benya Kraus, CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), LACF’s umbrella organization. Kraus followed with the theme of the evening, speaking about planting seeds in our communities.

Kraus thanked everyone in attendance, and anyone involved in LACF for their volunteer work, acknowledging many people wear several volunteer hats in small towns.

“At the heart of it, really, is people who have come together to say we can do and be more and we are worthy of investing.  And it’s that type of spirit, a connection, and a belief that things can always be better, that you are worthy of investment, I think, that has allowed this region to be as beautiful and dynamic and vibrant as it is,” stated Kraus.

After a full-size meal of chicken enchiladas and sides, followed by a decadent dessert of Churro Cake catered by Juniper’s Restaurant and served by LHS students, the grant recipients for the year were announced, which is an exciting time for everyone in attendance. 

This year’s grant recipients included Fillmore County Ag Society, Commonweal Theatre, Lanesboro Community Theater, Lanesboro Arts, Legion Lights, Lanesboro Public Library, Lanesboro Public Works, Sylvan Park, Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Lanesboro Community Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Fillmore County Historical Society, Driftless Fiber Arts and the Lanesboro Museum.

Entertainer Brad Boice shared his singing talent and connected with the audience by sharing personal stories about some of his experiences over the years. 

“From church choir to high school choir, from high school band as a tuba player to eight years as the lead singer for the popular rock band Gemini, Brads’ life has always been filled with music.  In 2005 Brad began his Elvis Tribute. This award-winning entertainment journey has taken him to many places across the United States,” stated the program for the LACF event.  

Sandy Webb, representing the Lanesboro Community Theater and Mitchell Walbridge, city administrator of Lanesboro, both spoke about how vital the grant funds are and how the financial support enriches the lives of local residents and truly affects the vivacity of the area. 

The evening was enjoyed by all in attendance including bidding on a large selection of silent auction items, savoring craft beer by Sylvan Brewing, and wine provided by Granny’s Liquor.  A special thank you to Brett Clarke for the music and audio equipment, all the volunteers, silent auction donors and sponsors.

The mission of LACF is “to be a good neighbor by investing in the vitality of the people and community of Lanesboro.  “We will accomplish our mission through flexible, inclusive and innovative investments that meet community needs and advance community health,” according to the program for the event.

LACF Board of Directors include Tom Smith – president, Maureen Anderson – secretary, Ed Taylor – treasurer, Pam Engebretson, Jennifer Nepstad, Cindy Cordes-Eversole, Leann Olson, Suzanne Roelofs, Steve Harris, Rochelle Gathje, John Nelson and Sue Ruen. 

Smith announced that after more than six years on the Board of Directors for LACF he will be leaving the board at the end of this fiscal year on June 30.  Everyone in attendance, and in Lanesboro, very much appreciates Smith for his volunteerism in the area.

For more information on SMIF visit smifoundation.org.