Connecting with Kids

Connecting with Kids Leadership Awards

Each spring we recognize a group of adults and students who have served, uplifted, or empowered the youth in our community or in communities in need.

Our 2024 event took place on March 8th. Nominations for the 2025 awards open in January.

Congratulations to our 2024 honorees

Livia Epstein, Dream Skates, United Synagogue

Zoya Hasan, Kits for Kids, Vision for All, Edina Give & Go Tennis Clinic

Shale Hornig, Tools for School - Simpson Housing Services

Ella Hornig, Tools for School - Simpson Housing Services

Lucia Lazarus, Valentine’s Day gift bags, Children’s Minnesota

Betsy Madson, MN Math Corps, Yearbook Advisor

Jon Newburg, Edina Basketball Association

Gigi Sanders, Christ Presbyterian Church Youth Leader

Images from our 2024 breakfast:

2024 Keynote Speaker

Allie Smulka, Patterson Foundation & Corporate Giving and board member of the Holy Cross Education Foundation, spoke about balancing your everyday life with your passions… how to give back in meaningful ways without biting off more than you can chew.

View the 2024 highlights in a 15 second recap:

Leadership Breakfast Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses that are invested in Edina. Think Bank, Jerry’s Foods, and Grandview Tire & Auto were our 2024 sponsors. Thank you!

Leadership Breakfasts 2009-2023

Past Award Winners: Read a list of our award recipients, going back to 2009. Thank you to each and every one of them for making this community what it is today! You can also read articles about our honorees published in Edina Magazine.

History of the Connecting with Kids Program

Fulfilling the Edina Community Foundation's mission to serve, strengthen, and celebrate our community, the Connecting with Kids program is specifically focused on the lives of our youth.

The Connecting with Kids program grew out of a desire to build a healthy Edina for youth. In 1998, an Edina Asset Building Steering Committee partnered with the Minneapolis-based Search Institute to establish the "40 Developmental Assets," to create healthy kids and a healthy community. These assets identify areas in which neighbors, parents, teachers, and our community need to actively participate to help kids become their very best. 

Connecting with Kids Leadership Breakfast

Since coming under the Edina Community Foundation umbrella, the Connecting with Kids program has added an emphasis on recognizing the adults who have dedicated their time to making a difference. Each year since 2008, the Edina Community Foundation holds a leadership breakfast to honor a group of awardees who are nominated by community members. We take time to highlight their contributions and celebrate the strength of our community through volunteerism. 

OUR MISSION

To connect individuals, families, organizations and other resources in Edina to help them fulfill their responsibility to raise healthy children and develop a healthy community.

OUR VISION

To be a community where all children have the support they need to grow up to be responsible, healthy and caring adults.