MUCH OBLIGED

Hi past and present supporters

The dust is settling on the 2009 Sour Grapes Run and I am thrilled to report that more than $14,500 is being donated to the Northland Arboretum, our 540 acres of unique greenspace in the center of our city.

We treasure our "Diamond in the Rough" area and hope that you have enjoyed it, too, even the sugar sand!

Thank you for your support. You helped to make the fund-raising event grow from 35 runners in the inaugural event to more than 430 registered runners this year.

In 2010, I am looking forward to being a participant and running or walking the course along with you. Hopefully, a new director will be appointed soon and will make the event even better.

In the meantime, you may refer any questions to: Dale Braddy, Northland Arboretum Executive Director, 14250 Conservation Drive, Box 375, Brainerd, 56401.

You may contact Dale at (218) 829-8770 or e-mail dbraddy@brainerd.net.

Thank you so much,

Jeanne Larson

Retired Sour Grapes Director

jeanne.larson@yahoo.com

Nisswa Pioneer Village

A very special thank you goes out to Dick Carlson and the volunteers at the Nisswa Pioneer Village for sponsoring such a fun, historically educational event for our partners. On June 15, they sponsored a tour for 22 Kinship Partners. Everyone had a lot of fun experiencing what life must have been like for early settlers of our area. On behalf of everyone involved with Kinship Partners, we want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to have fun and learn a lot more about our history. Most of all we want to thank you for helping to support the mission of Kinship Partners!

Karen Downing

Kinship Partners summer volunteer and activities coordinator