Honoring Roger Backstrom: A True Champion for Brooklyn Park

MN CHILL Foundation was proud to help sponsor Foundation Elevation’s inaugural Community Impact Award, recognizing individuals who make a lasting difference in their communities. The first-ever recipient, Roger Backstrom, is a shining example of leadership through service. As the longtime owner of Brooklyn Park’s Godfather’s Pizza, Roger has been a dedicated supporter of youth, mentorship programs, and local initiatives that bring people together.
City Council Meeting | Minnesota Chill x Thielen Foundation

In case you missed it, we kicked off the month with a monumental moment for the youth of Brooklyn Park, made possible by the incredible generosity of The Thielen Foundation. With a transformative $100K donation, they’ve partnered with the Minnesota CHILL Foundation to create safe, empowering spaces where children can not only grow and learn but also embrace life-changing opportunities.
A Morning of Collaboration and Progress at Breakfast with the Mayors

Attending this year’s Breakfast with the Mayors at the University of St. Thomas was an inspiring experience! Hearing from both Mayor Frey and Mayor Carter, with Tom Hauser as the insightful moderator, set the stage for meaningful discussions on community progress and collaboration.
Honoring Legacy and Progress: Highlights from the NAACP MLK Luncheon

Last week, our co-founder Cindy Hill had the privilege of attending the sold-out NAACP MLK Luncheon in North Minneapolis—a truly unforgettable celebration of legacy, unity, and progress.
Transforming Brooklyn Park: Thielen Foundation’s $100K Boost to Zanewood Teen Center

Big things are happening in Brooklyn Park, and the youth are about to receive a game-changing boost! On January 6th, 2025, a major announcement was made at the Brooklyn Park City Council meeting, marking an exciting milestone for the Zanewood Teen Center project.
New gym space coming to Brooklyn Park

Former Minnesota Vikings player Adam Thielen has given a financial boost to the Zanewood Teen Center project. Late last month, the Thielen Foundation announced a $100,000 donation to help fund Brooklyn Park’s new and improved youth complex.
Tech Mastery Unleashed: Hands-On Hardware Repair with Brandon Taylor

CHILL Tech participants took their skills to the next level in an incredible hands-on workshop led by the expert Brandon Taylor, with the assistance of Michael Johnson Jr., an electrical engineering student at Arizona State University.
Chuck and Cindy Hill Empower Students at Anoka-Hennepin Career and College Palooza

We couldn’t be prouder of Chuck and Cindy Hill, who represented the MN CHILL Foundation with unmatched energy and expertise at the Third Annual Career and College Palooza on December 14, hosted by Anoka-Hennepin Schools at Champlin Park High School.
Building Bridges for Youth Empowerment: MN CHILL Foundation Teams Up with Brooklyn Park Rotary Club

On December 11th, Chuck and Cindy had the privilege of speaking at the Brooklyn Park Rotary Club, where they shared the inspiring history and mission of the MN CHILL Foundation. They highlighted our impactful programs and our dedication to empowering local youth through health, fitness, and education.
Empowering the Future Through AI: A Work Session with Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams

In December, Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams, a globally recognized expert in Responsible Artificial Intelligence, led an engaging work session for participants of the CHILL Tech Program. This hands-on session focused on the transformative potential of AI and how it can empower the next generation of tech leaders.