Red Rock On Air

The Initiative Foundation, in partnership with the Minneapolis-based Valspar Corporation, selected 20 community and nonprofit organizations to receive more than 820 gallons of free paint and coatings.

The “Minnesota Beautiful” program awards were based on community need, public benefit, visual impact and volunteer participation.

“We are grateful for Valspar’s continued commitment to our communities even during challenging economic times for their industry,” said Dan Frank, Initiative Foundation program manager for community development.  “Valspar helps volunteers to help their communities.”

Congratulations to this year’s colorful award winners!

Audubon Center of the North Woods, Sandstone

Interior and exterior paint for wildlife barn, office, dining hall and outdoor structures used for activities and classes.

City of Big Lake

Interior paint for the food shelf expansion and new senior center.

City of Breezy Point

Sealer and stain for community center siding and decks.

Cass County Agricultural Society, Pillager

Exterior paint for Cass County Fairgrounds animal barn.

Crow Wing County 4-H, Brainerd

Interior and exterior paint stage and new electrical room in the 4-H building at the fairgrounds.

Evergreen Cemetery Association, Brainerd

Exterior paint for buildings.

Isanti County Agricultural Society, Cambridge

Paint exterior for Isanti County Fairgrounds exhibit building.

City of Little Falls

Exterior painting to preserve a historic barn by the Pine Grove Park.

Long Prairie Hockey Association

Exterior and interior paint for the exposition arena which is used for hockey, 4-H presentations, trade shows and community gatherings.

Menahga Senior/Community Center

Interior for senior/community center.

Minnesota Pioneer Park, Annandale

Exterior paint for Big Woods building and Finnish Apostolic Church at the history museum.

Motley Fair Board

Exterior paint for mural on cattle/horse barn at fairgrounds.

City of Nisswa

Exterior paint for the Nisswa warming house and community center.

Oasis Share A Meal/Community Paint-A-Thon, Little Falls

Exterior paint for volunteers to paint homes owned by low-income seniors, disabled individuals or low-income single parents.

The Refuge Network, Cambridge

Interior paint for addition to a home for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Royalton Area Community/Senior Center

Interior paint for six rooms in community/senior center.

St. Cloud Housing & Redevelopment Authority

Exterior paint for “Paint the Town” event, painting low-income homes in northeast St. Cloud area.

Sebeka School District

Interior paint for students who will paint murals on high school walls.

Staples Historical Society

Exterior paint for doors of historic Northern Pacific train depot.

City of Willow River

Paint for renovating the city park pavilion and depot.

Since 1997, the Initiative Foundation has partnered with Valspar to award a total of 6,419 gallons of paint and coatings to 134 central Minnesota communities and nonprofits.