The Miami and Area Foundation granted the most money this year to the recipients ever.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Miami and Area Foundation held its 14th annual gala, which serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser for the year. At the event, community members mingle, eat, and enjoy live music while the foundation gives out its grants and awards. This year’s gala saw 140 tickets sold, a little less than most years due to the late harvest.
The foundation granted $28,000 to 13 organizations and projects at the Miami Event Centre. Miami and Area Foundation treasurer Tricia Livingston said it’s the most they’ve ever given out in terms of funds and number of recipients. As the foundation’s asset base grows, it can grant more money. Their current slogan is “going for the nines” because their assets are currently in the $800K range, and they want them to be in the $900K range. Livingston doesn’t have the final numbers yet, but she’s hoping the gala will take them there.
With the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge coming up soon, the foundation’s ultimate goal is to reach the $1 million mark in assets. For now, though, they’re excited about the $800K in assets, which allowed them to support the most community projects ever.
“I was so proud that we were able to do that,” said Livingston. “It’s probably one of my highlights of the year to be able to do that.”
This year, the Miami and Area Foundation gave out the following grants:
- Miami Railway Station Museum door project: $1,000
- Miami Active Living Centre floor curling project: $2,000
- Miami School senior and junior drama clubs: $1,000
- Lloyd Orchard Community Arena ice upgrades: $2,500
- Rosebank Cemetery new bench: $1,200
- Miami Children’s Facility automated external defibrillator (AED): $1,300
- South Central Regional Library Miami Branch new shelving project: $4,000
- Miami 4-H Beef Club announcer stand project: $2,000
- Miami Agricultural Society kitchen upgrades: $1,500
- Miami Arts Association easels art display project: $2,000
- Miami Sports Complex ball diamond upgrades: $1,000
- Miami School Parent Advisory Council playground upgrades: $5,000
- Collingwood Miami Senior Housing wheelchair access door: $3,500
Also awarded at the annual gala is the Citizen of the Year award. Though the Miami and Area Foundation didn’t give out the award last year, they brought it back for 2024 and saw overwhelming support for each nominee. The foundation board nominates community members they think deserve the award and then votes for the year’s winner.
“We look at people who not only volunteer their time and talents in the community, but also people that when they’re out and about, not only in Miami, that they are true citizens of our little corner of the world here,” said Livingston. “They present how wonderful a place Miami is.”
This year’s Citizen of the Year award recipients are husband and wife Blaine and Shannon Rutter. Livingston said there’s a long list of reasons why they deserve the award for both Blaine and Shannon.
Blaine has been a long-time supporter of the Miami Curling Club, advocating for and coaching the sport for more than 25 years now. He coached hockey in the community for 12 years, baseball for 17, and would hop off the tractor to ump a game when needed, said Livingston.
“You name it, he’s done it,” she said. “And he’s a good citizen and promoter of Miami everywhere he’s gone.”
Shannon has been a tireless volunteer for the community, helping out at church fundraisers, fall suppers, and community events. She’s a member of the new Miami Arts Association, a community-appointed decorator, and a community nurse.
Having worked as a nurse for numerous years at the Carman Memorial Hospital, Shannon became Miami’s community nurse, making house calls for anyone in need at any time.
“I called her myself many times and she’d always answer, she’d always come over,” said Livingston. “You can’t even describe the number of people she’s helped. They’re just very caring and welcoming people.”
Livingston added that when she came to Miami as an outsider many years ago, Blaine and Shannon welcomed her to town from the first day.
Blaine said he and Shannon were shocked and honoured when their names were announced at the gala. The couple honestly had no clue the award was coming.
“You’re kind of dumbfounded,” said Blaine.
He said there are many other people in the community he believes deserve the Citizen of the Year award, but being recognized for their efforts is a really nice feeling.
“You live in a small community, you pitch in and just try to make the community a nice place to be,” he said. “We all contribute; it’s not just Shannon and I. You work with others to make that happen.”
