The Story of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF)
The journey of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF) began in 1988, two years before its official establishment. Early conversations about creating the Foundation were driven by a shared vision among a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a philanthropic arm of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association to support veterinary medicine in Minnesota.
The groundwork for the Foundation was laid by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) Board of Directors, alongside key contributors:
- Quinn Tierney, Development Officer at the College of Veterinary Medicine
- Gary Persian, Attorney
- Rod Wicklund and Fran Phelan, Accountants
- Mary Olson and Barbara O’Leary, MVMA Board Members
- Linda Lacher, MVMA Staff
Together, this team conducted extensive research, investigating other state VMA foundations, the AVMA Foundation, and similar organizations in Minnesota. These resources, combined with IRS and Attorney General guidelines, informed the structure of the new foundation.
Attorney Gary Persian played a pivotal role, drafting the bylaws, constitution, articles of incorporation, and the application for the Attorney General's office. With support from Linda Lacher and the accountants, the detailed paperwork took nearly a year to complete.
In 1990, their hard work came to fruition: the Foundation was officially incorporated, and its first board meeting was held. The first officers included:
- President: Gene Kind (1991–1992), followed by Thayer Porter (1992–1993) and Phyllis Lambert (1993–1995)
- Vice President: Elmer Hokkanen (1991–1993), followed by Vance DeMong (1993–1995)
- Secretary/Treasurer: Phyllis Lambert (1991–1995)
Building Momentum Through Fundraising
From the very beginning, fundraising became the lifeblood of the Foundation. Annual donations through the MVMA dues invoice and a silent auction at the annual meeting have been staples since 1991. Over the years, additional efforts included:
- A white elephant auction during the Friday dinner at Canterbury Downs in 1992
- A garage sale and a raffle of Les Kuba prints at the 1993 annual meeting
- Posters with pledge envelopes sent to clinics, soliciting donations for pet and people memorials
While some events, like a planned golf outing, didn’t materialize, others proved highly impactful. Two brochures were developed: one generic and another more detailed, outlining how donations could be used to support scholarships and grants.
A Major Milestone
One of the most significant contributions came through the efforts of Ralph Molnau. The MVMA was named an heir to the Hilma Spannaus estate, receiving $72,000, along with an additional $3,800 in tax returns. This substantial gift was transferred to the Foundation, providing a strong financial foundation for scholarships.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
What began as a vision in 1988 has evolved into a thriving Foundation that has made a profound impact on veterinary medicine in Minnesota. Through decades of dedication and the generosity of donors, the MVMF continues to grow, empowering veterinary professionals and improving the lives of animals across the state and beyond.
Want to make a difference and be a part of our history? Contact us today to learn more about getting involved.
