Thank you for joining us for our 2024 fall gala

Our River event illustration

Evening summary

On September 26, over 250 attendees came together at Nicollet Island Pavilion for Our River: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River. Guests enjoyed scenic river views and gorgeous weather while gathering with a community that cares for the river. The evening included the opportunity to participate in a live painting with local artist Annie Hejny, test the knowledge of our ecologists and sample perennial foods.

The event raised over $165,000 to support the river and the communities it sustains. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who participated in our live and silent auctions, donated to the Our River Campaign, or pledged to purchase 1,000 square feet of native seeds. Your support makes our work possible!

Our River Campaign

The evening also marked the launch of the Our River Campaign. Attendees were among the first to learn about our plans and the potential of this campaign.

At the heart of this campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River. The impact of the Our River Campaign will be transformational and enduring in Minnesota and for all the downstream communities along the 2,350-mile river.

Our goal is to raise $5 million, and we have already secured $3.8 million. Find more information, watch the campaign video and donate to the campaign here.

River supporters gathered at Nicollet Island Pavilion to celebrate our river. See the full album of photos. (Photos by Anna Botz for FMR)

Program highlights

Our program this year featured people who think about and work on river issues every day. We asked a few of our staff and board members to answer the questions: What do you want people to know about the river? What do you want people to know about FMR? 

Here's a recap in case you missed it.

"The river is a system of perpetual movement."

Our ecologists talked about how we're working to ensure that the river is protected and its processes are resilient enough to sustain its systems of perpetual movement for future generations of wildlife and people.

"Every acre of farmland we can keep covered through the winter is a win for water."

Water policy staff reflected that — thanks to the advancement of winter oilseeds, Kernza, elderberries, hybrid hazelnuts and other clean-water crops — we're trending toward the most river-friendly agricultural landscape in quite a long time.

"No other entity is doing or can do what FMR does to protect our national park and our great river."

Former Mississippi National River & Recreation Area superintendent and current FMR board chair John Anfinson pointed to the crucial advocacy FMR has done to protect the Mississippi.

"We work hard to create programs that fulfill people's desire to connect with the river and that weave together many perspectives."

Stewardship staff remarked that through our volunteer stewardship opportunities and environmental education programs, we are learning and growing alongside our volunteers in our understandings of the river and its place in our communities.

"What makes FMR special is that its work truly allows all communities to feel and develop that connection to the river."

Former Environmental Stewardship Institute fellows Bella and Kaia talked about how FMR's youth program impacted their outlooks and paths.

"I'm grateful you'll join me and ensure that our future generations get to experience the same joy."

Board member Adriana Alejandro Osorio looked back on the waters that have flowed through her own life and brought her meaning.

Thanks to all who participated

We are immensely grateful for our community's overwhelming support and kindness in making this evening an incredible success. This event wouldn't have been possible without your time, talent and generosity — many thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate the river.

Thank you to our generous sponsors

 

Oak Savanna

Dr. Lynn E. Broaddus & Dr. Marc H. Gorelick • Stewart & Lesley Crosby • Peter & Mary Gove • Thomas Reiter & Sharon Miyamoto • Susan Vento

Bald Eagle

Sue & David Bennett • Ronnie & Roger Brooks • Whitney & Sarah Clark • Dan Gjelten & Lisa Burke • Peter Goss & Karma Walker • Thane & Blanche Hawkins • Hokan & Penny Miller • Anita Robeson & Jerome Johnson • Diane & Darryl Sannes • John & Marsha Soucheray • Kate Wolford & Ed Reilly

Blue Heron

John Anfinson • Steve Christenson & Lisa Hondros • Page & Jay Cowles • Sara & Sean DeKok • Cathy Tobias • Deanna Wiener & Jim Tilsen

River Otter

George Dunn & Donna Harris • Harry & Ginny Sieben

Thank you to our generous corporate supporters

 

Headwaters

Xcel energy logo

Confluence

Creative Fundraising Advisors • SEA LIFE at Mall of America

Tributary

Alliiance • Aloe Up • Boyum Barenscheer • Foundation Technologies • Native Resource Preservation • RES • Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling 

River

Bremer Bank • BWBR • Minnesota Native Landscapes 

Become a member

Join us to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (plus early voting beforehand)
Your polling place
Four options: August 15, September 17, October 5, November 16, 2024
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
November 1 - 21, 2024
Online

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.