The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation (MPSF)’s annual Dream Makers fundraising event reached its milestone 20th year this year and included the greatest number of participants in the event’s history. They made the celebration a memorable one by raising $275,400 for Minnetonka Public Schools. 

Sabrina Wixo, a MPSF trustee and co-chair for Dream Makers, expressed her gratitude for the Minnetonka community that “continuously outdoes itself, year after year, with its generosity at the Dream Makers event.”

After a few years as a virtual event, this year’s Dream Makers was held in person at Bavaria Downs. More than 300 guests gathered to participate, where they enjoyed science demonstrations by emcee and Minnetonka High School teacher Joe Cossette, remarks from Superintendent David Law and a live auction led by auctioneer Dan Masloski.

“It’s exciting to know what we can do and the impact we can make on students and learning, with such a supportive community and amazing teachers!” said Wixo.

“It was tremendous fun coming together with the community to celebrate Minnetonka Schools and raise money for future Minnetonka Foundation projects and teacher grants,” shared MPSF Board of Trustees Chair Amy Grady. “With incredible auction items donated by individuals and local businesses, we were blown away by the support of our school community! I could not have dreamed of a better night!”

The auction components of the event (which happened both live and online) reached record numbers in terms of items donated, donors participating and funds raised.

“Dream Makers is such a unique event as it's a collaboration between businesses, families with elementary students, families with secondary students, people who live in our community and teachers/staff/administrators,” said Amy Vohs, MPSF trustee and Dream Makers co-chair. “ I am so grateful to live in a community that generously gives to our event and shows its support all year round.” 

The foundation’s “Fund a Dream” campaign, which directly supports the annual teacher grant program, raised a record $77,540 specifically to support teacher-led innovations in the schools. 

“We’re grateful for everyone who came out to make this year’s Dream Makers such an outstanding event,” said Jill Howe, MPSF Executive Director. “Thank you to Superintendent Law, Joe Cossette, our corporate and individual partners, in-kind donors, and to all those that participated on-line or in person during the auctions and fundraising campaigns. You’ve made a difference for Minnetonka students and teachers that will impact learning for years to come!”