MNSWCA.org 2023 annual Report

MNSWCA.org was established officially as a charity organization September 18, 2023. The mission of the organization is:

This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. 

The purpose of this corporation is: to raise awareness, financial support, and actively engage in support and service to families with medical and mental health needs in local Minnesota communities through entertainment, communion with, and engagement in activities related to various fantasy and science fiction fandoms. 

MNSWCA.org has worked closely with local Minnesota charities, gaming groups, and toy collecting groups. Prior to the official formation of the non-profit organization, the original “Teeb Con” was held at Stephen Kaarbo’s home with over 80 attendees participating in games, giveaways, silent auctions and raffles. Through silent auctions and raffles, $1150 was raised and donated to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. 

MNSWCA.org participated in several pop culture conventions during 2023, including Nerdin’ Out Con in Rochester, MN and Twin Cities Con in Minneapolis, MN. Donations at these events were over $200. Beyond this, the group was able to network and connect with fellow fans, other non-profit organizations, and convention guests. Many of the convention guests and artists donated items to our future events. 

Another aspect of MNSWCA.org has been to focus on family and mental health in our community. In fall 2024, we partnered with the Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders, located in Duluth, MN. In conjunction with the Clinic, MNSWCA.org organized the first annual Frozen Force Artist Showcase. The group signed over 20 sponsors and received donations from more than 30 artists and organizations. The event, which was held in January 2024, was a financial and popular success. Over 300 people attended the event and $5125 was raised and donated to the MN Masonic Children’s Clinic.

MNSWCA.org plans to be part of many conventions in 2024, including Voices Against Cancer in Sioux City, SD; Range Fan Con in Virginia, MN; Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention in Nashville, TN; and Twin Cities Con in Minneapolis, MN. More significantly, MNSWCA.org has partnered with a local gaming collective, Roundtable Gamers, to present a 2 day pop culture and tabletop gaming convention at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, to be held August 24-25, 2024. MNSWCA.org and the Roundtable Gamers, both voted to enter a formal partnership and merge into one entity, with a larger MNSWCA.org Board and a standing Roundtable Gamers convention planning committee. The MNSWCA.org Board was expanded to 7 total members, welcoming in 3 members from the Roundtable Gamers. All members will remain in place for 2024.

MNSWCA.org is committed to continuing our charity partnerships and our partnerships with sponsors and fans. We have expanded our charity circle to include local mental health organizations and the establishment of a mental health scholarship to help providers receive advanced training to help the mental health needs in our community.

The current MNSWCA.org board includes:

Stephen Kaarbo, President (1st year)

Scott Glendenning, Secretary (1st year)

Nolan Kaarbo, Treasurer (1st year)

Scott Kottke, Member (1st year)

Matt Glesner, Member (1st year began 2024)

Erin Glesner, Member (1st year began 2024)

Kris Kapsner, Member (1st year began 2024)

Financial Report

2023 Donations (Sponsorships, ticket sales, event donations): $5895.60

2023 Costs (Merchandise, advertising, non-profit organization, event costs): $5389.48

2023 Starting Centricity Credit Union Checking Balance: $0

2023 Ending Centricity Credit Union Checking Balance: $99.03

2023 Starting Centricity Credit Union Savings Balance: $0

2023 Ending Centricity Credit Union Savings Balance: $1223.93