A snapshot of the impact the Minnesota Chill Foundation had on the community and beyond.
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.
“We believe that kids in every ZIP code deserve to have the same resources and programs at their fingertips,” Executive Director Amy Sinclair said. “This state has supported [Adam Thielen] in every way through his path to be successful and he just wants to give back.”
Adam and his wife, Caitlin, founded their nonprofit in 2018 to increase access to youth athletic programming. While he is now playing for the Carolina Panthers, much of Thielen’s philanthropy is based in his home state.
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. The Minnesota CHILL Foundation, in partnership with the Thielen Foundation, revealed a $100,000 donation to support the development of the new gymnasium and teen center at Zanewood Recreation Center. This transformative donation will help bring to life a space that will provide the community’s youth with valuable resources and opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.
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.
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. The event brought together community leaders and changemakers, including US Representative Ilhan Omar and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who delivered powerful words that inspired hope and action. It was a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting how far we’ve come and the work still ahead in building a more equitable future.
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. His generosity extends far beyond his business—he has been a major supporter of Zanewood Rec Center, always ensuring that young people have a warm meal while participating in events that build character and connection.
This Black History Month, we’re celebrating YOU! Minnesota CHILL Foundation is proud to sponsor the Portrait Studio at the Annual City of Brooklyn Park Black History Month Celebration—because every family deserves a moment to shine, to celebrate their legacy, and to create lasting memories.
This year, we proudly stood alongside visionaries, youth advocates, and changemakers at The Sanneh Foundation’s Gala4Goals 2025—an event that isn’t just a celebration but a catalyst for real action. As a sponsor, the Minnesota CHILL Foundation was honored to support this powerful movement, reinforcing our commitment to creating real opportunities for young people in Brooklyn Park and beyond.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of golf with purpose! The 3rd Annual Minnesota CHILL Golf Tournament is set for Monday, June 30, 2025, at the breathtaking Green Haven Golf Course in Anoka, MN. This event isn’t just about perfecting your swing—it’s about creating real opportunities for young people in our community.
Minnesota CHILL Foundation is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Allianz Technology of America bringing vital technology resources to students in our CHILL Tech program. Today, we picked up a generous donation of laptops from Allianz Technology of America—tools that will directly support the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders in the tech industry.
“C.H.I.L.L. stands for Community Helps Individuals Live and Learn. The MN CHILL Foundation’s motto is “If not me, then who?” The founders, William “Chuck” Hill and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, help parents steer their children toward a successful future.”
This week, our co-founder Cindy is stepping into a room where power, influence, and change collide—the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Las Vegas, NV. As an invited guest of Black Enterprise, she’s representing both the Minnesota CHILL Foundation and Programming Solutions, INC, standing alongside trailblazing women who are shaping the future.
Huge thanks to the Zanewood Rec Center staff for hosting the Third Annual Anti-Violence Game Night! It was a powerful evening of games, food, and community support, with parents cheering on their kids and youth feeling seen and empowered. I also learned about their thriving debate club, proving once again that Zanewood is making a real impact.
The Annual Cops and Teens Basketball Tournament is back at Zanewood Rec Center on April 17th from 5–7 PM! Join us for a night of basketball, music, concessions, special guests, and community connection. More than just a game, this event strengthens bonds between youth and law enforcement, fostering future leaders right here in Brooklyn Park.
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.
PO Box 431133
Brooklyn Park, MN
55443-4200
763-424-2824
mnchillfoundation@gmail.com
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