The Junior League of Minneapolis is pleased to announce that Alice Mortenson is the recipient of the 2025 Katharine Phelps Achievement Award.

Throughout her decades of service to the community, Alice has led with both heart and intention creating space for others to lead alongside her. Her approach has always been rooted in inclusion and collaboration, recognizing that lasting change comes from lifting up every voice. Whether advocating for families through the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, supporting youth at the YWCA, or strengthening diverse community partnerships through the Mortenson Family Foundation, Alice has worked to open doors and expand opportunity for all, especially within communities historically underrepresented in leadership.

Her legacy mirrors the Junior League of Minneapolis’ own commitment to advancing equity and belonging, empowering women from all backgrounds to lead change that matters. As the League continues its mission to build a more just and vibrant Twin Cities, Alice’s example serves as both a guidepost and an invitation: leadership grounded in empathy and shared purpose has the power to unite and transform communities.

She will be honored at a celebration on Thursday, November 13 at The Minikahda Club. 

About the Katharine Phelps Achievement Award

The Katharine Phelps Achievement Award is named for a founding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, its first president in 1923. The award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to be effective volunteers.

Previous recipients of the Katharine Phelps Achievement Award include: Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015);  Leslie Turner (2016); Patty Murphy (2017); Barbara Foster (2019); Anne Carrier (2020) and Catherine “Kit” Schmoker (2022). 

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Visit our website at jlminneapolis.org and follow The Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

As part of the evening, we celebrated the recipients of our first-ever Member Impact Awards!

• Leadership Awards recognize one Active and one Sustainer for making an impact on JLM through strong leadership and developing leadership potential in others.
• Community Impact Awards recognize one Active and one Sustainer for making an impact on the communities we serve through collaboration, volunteer action and fostering learning.
• The Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action recognizes one Active, one Sustainer and one New Member who demonstrates a passion for community, helping others achieve their potential and operating respectfully.

Advancing Leadership Award: Michelle Steinhafel. As Events Chair, Michelle led the team to a successful Bottles, Bags and Bingo event that exceeded its financial goal by 280% and delivered the most profitable FITraiser in the last decade.

Sustaining Leadership Award: Jennifer Shinners. Jennifer has repeatedly given of herself to the women on her committees, and they look to her as a mentor.

Community Impact Award – Active: Allison Lucca. With Allison effectively navigating the changing requirements and policies of the correctional facility, the Between the Lines committee has enabled hundreds of children across Minnesota to receive a book narrated by their mother or grandmother.

Community Impact Award – Sustainer: Kathy KIingen. Kathy was the heart and soul of The Clothes Line Pop-Up Sale, our 100th anniversary-inspired fundraiser that resulted in $16,000 in grants to both The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and Free Arts, a program of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – Active: Laura Brost. Laura is always open to taking on new opportunities, even in uncharted territory, and consistently supports others around her.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – Sustainer: Kathleen Dodson-Smith. Kathleen has done tremendous work to further JLM, including organizing many events and serving as the liaison with the Emeritus community.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – New Member: Alissa Nordin. Ali has been an essential part of the fun and entertainment committee for the Party of the Century and an enthusiastic supporter of the event overall.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate more than a dozen members who received peer recognition as part of this year’s awards.

Finally, we recognized our 2023-24 Community Partner of the Year, Tom Muller of Identity Printing. Tom has been a dedicated partner for many years and consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to JLM volunteer efforts.

We are immensely proud to highlight the achievements of these individuals who tirelessly work towards creating positive change. Their dedication and passion exemplify our organization’s core values and inspire us all to continue our mission of service.

About The Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Visit our website at jlminneapolis.org and follow The Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

JLM May GMM Awards News Release

Join the Junior League of Minneapolis for an unforgettable evening of celebration and reflection as we mark an incredible milestone in our history! On November 9, 2023, we invite you to join us at the Edina Country Club from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a special Founder’s Day event commemorating our 100th Anniversary.

Founded a century ago, the JLM has been a beacon of hope, dedication and community service since its inception. From the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and Children’s Hospital of Minnesota to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Free Arts Minnesota, and more, the JLM has left a legacy of service, dedication and compassion. Projects currently supported by the JLM include 30 Million Words, Between the Lines, Hands On Math, Engineering and Science (H.O.M.E.S.) and Helping Hands.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite you to be part of our Founder’s Day festivities, where we will pay tribute to our rich history and the countless lives we have touched over the years.

Event Details:

• Date: November 9, 2023
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
• Tickets: $35 per person (includes one complimentary drink)
• Cash Bar Available; No ATM On-site

The evening promises to be a delightful affair filled with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and heartwarming stories. Your $35 ticket not only grants you access to this exclusive event but also includes one complimentary drink. For those who wish to enjoy additional beverages, a cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

We are honored to announce a special presentation by JLM’s Past President, Elizabeth Nelson, who will share her insights and experiences from her time leading our organization. Liz’s dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the JLM into what it is today, and her perspective promises to be both enlightening and inspirational.

Founder’s Day is a momentous occasion, not just for us but for our entire community. It is an opportunity to come together, celebrate our history, and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

To secure your spot at this historic event, please purchase your ticket. We encourage you to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us in honoring a century of being catalysts for lasting change.

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Visit our website at jlminneapolis.org and follow the Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

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Minneapolis, Minn. — The Junior League of Minneapolis has awarded two $10,000 grants to The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery for refurbishing the large gym space at the Nursery and Free Arts, a program of The Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities for refreshing a supply cabinet used by five partner organizations. The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and
Free Arts were originally founded as community service projects of the JLM and continue to positively impact the Twin Cities community.

These grants will be funded by a JLM legacy program, The Clothes Line, a resale shop which will be resurrected as a pop-up store this September, in honor of the organization’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

The Clothes Line was founded by JLM members in 1950 as a fundraiser and community service project. The JLM operated The Clothes Line for 50 years and contributed more than $3.5 million in community aid, while directly helping people obtain clothing and household items.

The Clothes Line pop-up event will be a one-time, weekend event to resell gently loved goods donated by JLM members and the community. The idea of recycling items with the purpose of fundraising to benefit the community resonates even more today.

The goal of the 2023 Clothes Line pop-up store is to honor the JLM’s legacy of community support by donating proceeds to past projects who continue to serve the community as independent entities.

View or download full press release.

As a sustaining member of the JLM, Kit embodies what the League aspires to: training volunteers to better their communities. In that same spirit, Kit has been generous with her time and talent and to support organizations that serve and benefit women and children who need guidance and support. Her board and volunteer service include the following:

• Sustainer President and Sustainer Representative with the Junior League of Minneapolis;
• Board of Trustees member of the University of Nebraska Foundation;
• Board Member with the Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis);
• Volunteer and member of the Ivy Society with the Blake School;
• Deacon Board, Foundation Board and Church Council member at Meetinghouse Church in Edina (formerly Colonial Church)

Kit is also a longtime supporter of the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Jeremiah Program, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Saint Thomas Academy, University of Nebraska and Delta Gamma Foundation.

Kit has been honored in recent years with the national “Principled Leadership Award” from Delta Gamma Fraternity for her work supporting young women on college campuses. She was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the North American Interfraternity Conference; the Perry Branch Award for Volunteer Service by the University of Nebraska and Sustainer Volunteer of the Year from the Junior League of Minneapolis.

“Kit Schmoker exemplifies the spirit of the JLM in giving of her talents, time and resources to help organizations that support women, children and families,” writes Pam Badger, a JLM sustainer member who nominated Kit. “She never takes credit for her contributions but is consistent in her support for the work that is being done. She is a kind, generous and compassionate friend, too. In times of need, Kit is always one of the first to step forward with help. Kit has a strong faith that infuses all she touches.”

Celebration to honor recipient

The Junior League of Minneapolis will hold a celebration to honor Kit on Thursday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.

About the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award

The Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to

be effective volunteers.

Previous recipients of the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award include Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015); Leslie Turner (2016); Patty Murphy (2017); Barbara Forster (2018-19) and Anne Carrier (2020-21).

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

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Barbara embodies the Junior League of Minneapolis’ commitment to social responsibility and giving. An outstanding community leader, Barbara was a trailblazer in the banking industry for more than 30 years, holding executive-level and director positions at several regional banks in Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, and Montana.

Throughout her career, Barbara was a highly active civic leader in the Minneapolis community, leading by example and holding numerous volunteer leadership roles including: Junior League of Minneapolis Vice President, former board chair of Minnesota Medical Foundation, founding director of the One Percent Club, former chair of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center Advisory Board, former chair of the Tandem Project, former chair of the American Refugee Committee, a founding director of the Domestic Abuse Project, and former president of Metropolitan State University.

Barbara has also held numerous board roles including with the University of Minnesota Medical School Dean’s Board of Visitors, Center for Victims of Torture, Bravewell Collaborative, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management Board of Overseers, and the Guthrie Theater Foundation.

Among the many awards and recognitions presented to her, Barbara has been honored in recent years with the 2009 Blake School Outstanding Alumnae Award, University of Minnesota Regents Award, Metropolitan State University Alumni Award, University of Minnesota Medical School Dean’s Award, Headwaters Foundation Human Rights Award, the YWCA Outstanding Achievement Award in Community Service, and Junior League Volunteer of the Year Award.

Fellow Junior League of Minneapolis and Legacy of Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patty Murphy shared that Barbara has a “’full throttle’ approach to volunteerism and philanthropy in the Minneapolis community. Barbara has been a remarkable, well-respected leader of several local organizations and institutions.”

Celebration

The Junior League of Minneapolis will hold a celebration to honor Barbara on October 2, 2019. Details here.

About the Legacy of Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award

The Legacy of Leadership Lifetime Achievement award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to be effective volunteers.

Previous recipients of the Legacy of Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award include Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015); Leslie Turner (2016); and Patty Murphy (2017).

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

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Patty—through her service to the Greater Minneapolis area and the Junior League of Minneapolis (JLM)—perfectly embodies Katharine Phelps’ sense of social responsibility and giving spirit.

Fellow community leaders also endorse her nomination. R.T. Rybak, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation and former Mayor of Minneapolis says it best, “I have learned in life that there are a few absolutes. The sun rises in the east; it gets cold in a Minnesota winter; and if Patty Murphy asks, just say yes…it’s easier.”

Patty is a dedicated member of the Junior League of Minneapolis and truly shares its vision of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities. She has held several leadership positions in the JLM including serving on its Board of Directors, holding numerous Chair positions, and serving as Sustainer President.

As an outstanding community leader who has contributed more than 35 years of volunteer service to both local and national nonprofit organizations, Patty’s civic involvement has been her work, her craft and her passion. Patty is currently active on several boards including: Breck School (Trustee); Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (Board Member Emerita); MacPhail Center for Music; the Northside Achievement Zone ($35M Investment Campaign Chair); and The Minneapolis Foundation. Her past leadership positions within the community are countless, some of which include Sustainer President of the Junior League of Minneapolis; Founder and Cabinet Chair of Private School Young Life; President of the Parents’ Association and Annual Fund Chair at Breck School; Board Chair and 25^th Anniversary Campaign Chair of Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (GMCN); Chair of LeagueAires during its 25^th and 50^th anniversary years; Board Chair of MacPhail Center for Music and Co-Chair of MacPhail’s 6.0 Campaign.  Additionally, Patty is a former board member and ongoing supporter of the following organizations: Camp Dudley-YMCA; Christ Presbyterian Church; Colonial Church of Edina; Greater Twin Cities United Way Women’s Leadership Council; Junior League of Minneapolis; and University of Minnesota Women’s Health Fund.

Patty is admired for her charisma and effectiveness, so much so that the Crisis Nursery staff coined the term “full Murphy” as a reflection of how Patty gets the job done with grace and flawless execution. Patty has been a dedicated volunteer leader with the GMCN since 2004 and has held several significant roles. In 2005-2007, she served as Chair of the Crisis Nursery’s Board of Directors during a very challenging time when the organization’s financial instability and leadership transitions were at the forefront. However, Patty provided the leadership and oversight required to move the organization forward, subsequently being cited as “one of its most successful fundraising volunteers.” In addition, she chaired the Crisis Nursery’s 25^th Anniversary Campaign, leading the charge to build a more robust major gifts program. Most recently she served on the GMCN “Multiplying Effect Campaign,” an initiative created to support new and innovative programs to better meet the needs of its clients. Today, Patty continues her support of GMCN as an Emerita member of its Board of Directors.

MacPhail Center for Music has greatly benefited from Patty’s uncanny ability to fund-raise. While serving on MacPhail’s Board for 11 years, including a two-year term as Board Chair, Patty helped MacPhail achieve significant milestones. Six million dollars were raised for strategic investments to protect and better the future of MacPhail, and a seven-million-dollar estate gift—its largest gift to date—was used to start the MacPhail Endowment. During this period, MacPhail also achieved a significant growth milestone—15,000 students—which  made it the largest community music school in the nation. MacPhail attributes many of these positive changes to Patty’s service and dedication.

Not only has Patty improved each organization in which she’s played a role, she has welcomed collaboration between and among her various nonprofit connections throughout the community. MacPhail Center for Music, Northside Achievement Zone, and LeagueAires now work together, by way of introduction through Patty Murphy.

Many JLM and LeagueAires members enthusiastically endorse Patty Murphy’s nomination. As Vicki Wyard, JLM Sustainer and former LeagueAires member states, “I heartily endorse Patty Murphy for the Katharine Phelps Achievement Award. Her positive energy and dedication to improving our community are beyond compare! Her leadership inspires others to also offer their time, treasures and talents…enhancing the lives of both her fellow volunteers and the beneficiaries of her efforts. Being in Patty’s presence is a joy-filled experience. She is definitely a superstar at exemplifying the mission and vision of the Junior League of Minneapolis!”

Patty and her husband David reside in Edina, MN. They have three adult sons: Timothy (Chandler), Andrew (Meghan), and Peter (Claire) and are the proud grandparents of four granddaughters. In her spare time, Patty enjoys vocal study, choral music, cooking, skiing and running.

Celebration

A cocktail reception will be held in Patty Murphy’s honor Thursday, November 2, at the Calhoun Beach Club at 5:30 p.m. The 2017 Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award presentation ceremony will follow from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The reception and ceremony are open to all JLM members, guests, and the community. Tickets are $38 per person. Reserve your spot for the reception.

About the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award

The Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award is named for a founding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, its first president in 1923. The award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to be effective volunteers.

Previous winners of the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award include Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015); and Leslie Turner (2016). Nominations for the 2018 Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award will be sought in August 2018.

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

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The general public is invited to share in this event and can purchase their discount cards for $40 at the Mall of America’s North and East Guest Service areas as well as the checkout area of The Container Store.

The Junior League of Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community with programs such as Backpack Buddies, Between the Lines, H.O.M.E.S., and Helping Hands to support its ongoing mission to help close the achievement gap in Minneapolis schools. Shop, Save, Share is an amazing opportunity to raise funds and awareness in support of this mission. More information about the JLM’s programs can be found at www.jlminneapolis.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Junior League of Minneapolis is hosting a “Shop, Save, Share,” fundraising event and have partnered with the Mall of America and The Container Store – Edina offering 20 percent off any purchase made October 24-November 6, 2016. Proceeds support the League’s community projects such as Backpack Buddies and Helping Hands that help close the achievement gap in Minneapolis. Just a few of the hotels, attractions, restaurants and 30 + participating retailers include:

Hotel – Radisson Blu and Solimar Spa
Attractions – Nickelodean Universe, Theatres at Mall of America
Food + Dining options – Crave, Cadillac Ranch, Cantina Laredo
Retailers – H&M, J.Crew, Eddie Bauer, Tumi

Where: The Container Store (3825 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435) + Mall of America (60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425)

When: October 24-November 6, 2016
Cost: $40

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

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Media Contact:
Lisa Mehlbrech
Junior League of Minneapolis
communications@JLMinneapolis.org

The Junior League of Minneapolis is hosting “Men in the Kitchen,” a unique and exciting social event on October 8, 2016, to raise funds and awareness of the League’s community programs and leadership. The evening will include delicious samples of freshly‐prepared foods and a vote for the top chef of the night.

The public is invited to share this evening of fun gourmet surprises with the Junior League of Minneapolis, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and addressing the achievement gap issue through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Men in the Kitchen is a great opportunity to learn about and support the mission of the Junior League of Minneapolis.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Junior League of Minneapolis is hosting a “Men in the Kitchen” fundraising event, with samples of fresh dishes prepared by 15 talented chefs – husbands, friends, fathers and brothers of Junior League members. Guests vote on their choice for top chef of the evening. All proceeds support the Junior League of Minneapolis’s community projects addressing the achievement gap in Minneapolis.
Highlights include:

• Delicious food and beverage pairings
• Information on the Junior League of Minneapolis and how you can help close the achievement
  gap in Minneapolis
• Open doors – everyone is welcome to attend

Where: Warners’ Stellian in Edina (3553 W. 70th St. Edina, MN 55435)

When: Saturday, October 8, 2016, 7:30‐10:00 p.m.

Cost: $40 or 2 for $75

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MINNEAPOLIS

The Junior League of Minneapolis is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through programs that critical needs of local children and families such as food insecurity, literacy development, and science and math education. To find out more about Junior League of Minneapolis programs, visit www.jlminneapolis.org.

Download Press Release
Media Contact:
Lisa Mehlbrech
communications@jlminneapolis.org