Last May 3rd, the MN CHILL Foundation proudly stood in harmony with fellow changemakers at the SOARNORTH Gala—Northside Achievement Zone’s largest and most impactful fundraising event of the year. Held at the iconic Armory, the evening was nothing short of extraordinary. From Jon Batiste’s electrifying performance to scholar Janiya’s powerful story of perseverance, every moment echoed the transformative power of community and opportunity.

April 7, 2025, will be remembered as the day Brooklyn Park answered the call from its youth. With shovels in the ground and hope in the air, the city officially broke ground on “The Wood,” a state-of-the-art Teen Center at Zanewood Recreation Center — a long-awaited project fueled by purpose, passion, and people who believe in the power of our youth.

Marcus Hill grew up right here in Brooklyn Park. He played at Central Park, joined youth programs through Park and Rec, and became the kind of young leader those programs were designed to shape. Years later, he returned — not just to give back, but to create something that would change the future for kids coming up behind him.