News & Stories

Loppet Foundation Awarded a Grant from the Otto Bremer Trust for Junior Loppet Programming

April 13, 2018 (Minneapolis, Minn.) – Executive Director John Munger is excited to share that the Loppet Foundation has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust to support the Junior Loppet program.

The Junior Loppet program empowers 100 young people from Minneapolis’ Franklin, Northeast and Anwatin middle schools through year-round outdoor activities like mountain biking, cross country skiing, trail running and paddling.

“We are pleased to support The Loppet Foundation,” said Brian Lipschultz, co-CEO and trustee of the Otto Bremer Trust. “The Junior Loppet Middle School Program will benefit underserved kids through mentoring and teamwork, which helps foster their development as confident, connected young people.”

Throughout the year, Junior Loppet youth participate in outdoor activities 2-3 times per week. The program occurs on school grounds, in Theodore Wirth Regional Park, and in regional and state parks across the midwest. Participants cite fun activities, as well as supportive relationships with peers and coaches, as highlights of the program.

In addition to directly reducing disparities in access to outdoor recreation, Junior Loppet programming empowers young people with the skills and social networks that promote success in school, work and leadership settings.

“Many of the young people we serve do not come from a cultural background of outdoor activity,” said Loppet Adventures Director, Anthony Taylor. “Funding from the Otto Bremer Trust supports the costs of equipment, youth development coaching, and transportation for the Junior Loppet program.”

The Loppet Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Otto Bremer Trust to help area middle schoolers develop as outdoor enthusiasts and successful young people!

About the Otto Bremer Trust
The Otto Bremer Trust, based in St. Paul, Minn., is a private charitable trust established in 1944 by founder Otto Bremer, a successful banker and community business leader. OBT owns 92 percent of Bremer Bank and also manages a diversified investment portfolio. The mission of OBT is to invest in people, places and opportunities in the Upper Midwest. Since its inception, OBT has invested more than $600 million in organizations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. For more info, visit www.ottobremer.org.

About the Loppet Foundation
The Loppet Foundation works to create a shared passion for year-round outdoor adventure in the Minneapolis area, focusing on underserved youth and families. A partner of Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Loppet Foundation engages people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities in year-round activities and events like cross country skiing, mountain biking, trail running, paddling and orienteering. The Foundation bases its work in Theodore Wirth Park, a tremendous natural resource located near the heart of Minneapolis. For more info, visit www.loppet.org.