You are invited to our first annual gala fundraiser for our 501c3 nonprofit. Come to learn, have fun, recognize our heroes, and help raise needed funds for our initiatives as we face the urgency of climate change.

Sustainable Stillwater MN’s First Fundraiser and Green Awards Event

• Learn about SSMN workgroups
• Hear personal stories about climate change
• Be inspired by local and nationally known speakers
• Participate in honoring businesses, individuals, and others in the first annual Green Champion Awards
• Be encouraged to support sustainability in our community

Greetings Community Members,

Sustainable Stillwater MN, a young 501.c.3 organization that aims to make our community more sustainable, resilient, and green, is having its first fundraiser on Thursday, November 10 at The Loft at Studio J in Stillwater. We invite you to be a part of our growing movement. Our goals for the event are to both educate attendees and fundraise for our various programs and workgroups.

Why is SSMN having a fundraiser? It has become evident that our hard-working activists and volunteers cannot do everything we see the need for. With rapport established with the City Council, Stillwater Area Chamber, and local community, SSMN’s next step is to strategically organize with contract employees and leadership to move our organization – as well as our community – forward. We don’t have the leisure of slow processing; we need to move – now!

Our event will also feature the first of a series of annual Green Champion Awards for businesses (nominate an individual here!), lawmakers, and individuals that promote sustainability. We are very excited to share what some of our local businesses and individuals are already doing to “think globally but act locally.”

Join us on November 10 as we learn together from a nationally known speaker from Green  America and a local community organizer, become inspired for sustainable action, hear of local “climate stories” and support our cause.

With gratitude,

Roger Tomten, Board Chair; Rick Heidick, Vice-Chair;  Kelsey Depew, Secretary; Nancy Lyner, Treasurer;  Wendy Gorski, Green Business Lead; Linda Countryman, City of Stillwater Liaison, Tiffany Parr, Board Member, Tess Fitzhenry, Intern, Allison McGinnis, Silent Auction Chair, Work Group Leads, Volunteers and Citizens of the Stillwater Area.

Your gifts and SSMN’s determination have accomplished much this year:

• 101 businesses in Green Business Directory
• Migratory Bird Grant awarded to impact Lily Lake area
• Bike to School Day and Bronze level certification awarded
• Over 90 rain gardens under supervision
• Buckthorn removed at Lily Lake
• Several Community Clean-ups
• Storm drains stenciled
• Presentations and Education at churches and community groups
• Work on a Climate Action Plan for the Stillwater Area
• Bluebirds are nesting
• What’s That Plant signage along Brown’s Cr.