Carrying on a Friend’s Love for Babies
learn how Mary continues her friend's generosity in the video interview with Dr. Jolly.
Mary serves as the adviser for a donor advised fund created by her dear neighbor Sydney before her death. Sydney’s love for babies inspired Mary to give to M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood. The donation funded cameras in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) so parents can see their babies at any time of day or night.
Mary continues Sydney’s legacy by giving to causes Sydney supported. “Education and babies were some of her top priorities," said Mary. "She was a teacher.”
Keep the Stories Coming
Stay connected with stories about how people across the state of Minnesota are responding to This Present Moment with generosity, compassion, courage and creativity.
More Stories
2024: A Year of Partnership and Innovation
In 2024 we worked closely with various community partners such as nonprofit organizations, fundholders and fellow foundations to continue envisioning an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive.
View Our 2024 Year In Review
Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants
Grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.
Read the announcement
Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey
Sara Ochs is a multidisciplinary theater artist and songwriter. With support from Art in This Present Moment, Sara will be exploring her talents as a songwriter, writing new music and potentially a one woman play.
See the project
Staging Community: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Local Theater
Learn how you can go from audience to advocate by supporting organizations like Exposed Brick Theatre.
Read More
Mother and Son Duet Bridges the Gap Between Old and New
Mothers often have close relationships with their sons, but in the case of Maria Biagetti Cortez and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, that bond is deeply immersed in their culture and music.
See the project
2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners
Congratulations to these Minnesota nonprofit organizations recognized for their strong histories of innovation and community problem solving.
See the Winners
Engaging Communities for Change Through Grantmaking
Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is partnering with nonprofits, donors and anti-racism advocates to make a better Minnesota in this video with President and CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D.
Hear from Dr. Jolly
Songs of Connection: Conductor Strives to Desegregate the Choral Community
Music is a universal language, and no one knows that more than Ahmed Fernando Anzaldúa El Samkary.
See the project