MNSWCA.org 2025 annual Report

Joining Forces to Inspire Hope

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 gaming, fantasy and science fiction fandoms. 

MNSWCA.org continued to operate in 2025, and we again worked closely with local Minnesota charities, gaming groups, and toy collecting groups. While we thought 2024 was a year of incredible growth and expanding horizons for MNSWCA.org, 2025 proved to be even more incredible. The 2nd annual Frozen Force Artist Showcase was held in January 2025 and even though we had to brave a blizzard and sub-zero temperatures, we were able to raise over $4000 for the MN Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders. It was another opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents and bring sci-fi and fantasy beauty to the Northland.

In August 2025, the inaugural Excalibur Con Pop Culture & Tabletop Gaming Convention was held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, as a follow up to the popular Teeb Con which was held at the DECC previously in 2024. There was growth in all areas of the event, with a weekend attendance of approximately 3500 and charity donations of just under $10,000 going to the MNSWCA.org Mental Wellness Scholarship Fund, Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, and MN Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders. At the time of this report, the plans for the 3rd Annual Frozen Force Artist Showcase and the next Excalibur Con will be well underway. The goal is to donate at least $16,000 to our partners in 2026.

MNSWCA.org once again networked with and participated in many local and regional events, including Range Fan Con in Virginia, MN; Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention in Nashville, TN; Anime Detour in Minneapolis, MN, and Twin Cities Con in Minneapolis, MN. Board members from MNSWCA.org also attended 605 Pop Culture Con in Sioux Falls, SD. MNSWCA.org was also represented at the DSSO performance of Star Wars, the May the 4th celebration at Barnes & Noble, Art & Anime Celebration at Barnes & Noble, Downtown Duluth Days, Biboon Winter Market, and Discover Pro Wrestling: DPW8 at Clyde Iron Works. These events provided opportunities to grow the community, network with other event organizers, and develop a strong base for future MNSWCA.org connections throughout the area. 

MNSWCA.org has continued to support charity initiatives with a family and mental health focus. We continue to partner with the Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders, located in Duluth, MN; as well as the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, with the local hospital being in Rochester, MN. The organization  continued to grow the financial viability of the MNSWCA.org Mental Wellness Scholarship Fund, a funding stream to help local mental health and chemical health providers receive specialized, evidence-based training to help the wellness of our northland communities. Plans to award in 2025 were unable to come to fruition, though the hope is that the first awards from this fund will be distributed in late 2026 or 2027. To bring more awareness to the mental health needs of our community, as well as the ways our fandoms can support our wellness, Stephen Kaarbo presented “Fandom & Mental Health” panels at Excalibur Con and the St. Louis County Health & Human Services Conference. In 2026, the MNSWCA.org committed to direct support of local youth gaming activities by building community and providing resources directly in local schools. The establishment of the MNSWCA.org Excalibur Youth Fund will provide needed gaming and art supplies to foster a tabletop gaming community within the schools we partner with. 

The MNSWCA.org Board continued to meet regularly to plan events, budgets, and growth opportunities through strategic alliances in the Duluth-Superior and surrounding areas. We have partnered with local gaming groups, game developers, business partners, sponsors, and an extensive volunteer base to build for the future. We are committed to growing the local gaming and general nerd community in the area, as well as supporting the real need to feel accepted, to feel included, and to feel genuine enjoyment in life. In addition to the MNSWCA.org Board, the group further developed and expanded the Excalibur Con Committee, to have direct oversight of Excalibur Con 2026 and beyond. This committee is composed of Board members Stephen Kaarbo, Matt Glesner, Erin Glesner, Kris Kapsner, and Jackie Webb as well as community members, David Greenberg, Colton Nelson, Alex Campanini, Matias Velero, Cheri Fitch, and Rhonda Bentley.

The MNSWCA.org Board underwent a few changes in 2025. Nolan Kaarbo, founding member and Treasurer, resigned following 2 years of committed engagement. His resignation was a positive move as his career trajectory did not allow for continuing to serve on the Board, though he will continue to be involved in Excalibur Con and other events. In late 2025, Jackie Webb was nominated and unanimously approved for a Board position. She has a history with previous MNSWCA.org events from the very beginning and has continued to be a strong supporter and committed volunteer at events. The Board is excited to have her join the team and build the community with her knowledge and expertise. All remaining Board members continue to engage in and support the mission of the organization with monthly meetings and the development of strategic plans for the future.

MNSWCA.org is committed to continuing our charity partnerships and our partnerships with sponsors and fans. Plans for 2026 include:  the 3rd annual Frozen Force Artist Showcase February 21; partnering for May the 4th Star Wars day and Art & Anime Celebration events at Barnes & Noble; and Excalibur Con August 15-16 at the DECC. In addition the group is already committed to involvement at Anime Detour and Twin Cities Con again in 2026. We will also be involved in Downtown Duluth Days, movie premiers at Marcus Theater, and Discover Pro Wrestling DPW9 and DPW10. We will also attend and support local events that match our mission, vision and values.

The current MNSWCA.org board includes:

Stephen Kaarbo, President & interim Treasurer (3rd year)

Scott Glendenning, Secretary (3rd year)

Scott Kottke, Member (3rd year)

Matt Glesner, Member (2nd year)

Erin Glesner, Member (2nd year)

Kris Kapsner, Member (2nd year)

Jackie Webb, Member (1st year)

Financial Report

2025 Donations (Sponsorships, ticket sales, event donations): $112,470.81

2025 Costs (Merchandise, advertising, non-profit organization, event costs): $99,565.40

2024 Starting Centricity Credit Union Checking Balance: $8114.71

2024 Ending Centricity Credit Union Checking Balance: $23,573.33

2024 Starting Centricity Credit Union Savings Balance: $2025.32

2024 Ending Centricity Credit Union Savings Balance: $3,596.61

2024 Starting Combined PayPal/Venmo/Zeffy Balance: $2403.38

2024 Ending Combined PayPal/Venmo/Zeffy Balance: $0

Total donations to MN Masonic Children's Clinic for Communication Disorders: $11,066.31

Total donations to Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation: $1555.00

Total designations to MNSWCA.org Mental Wellness Scholarship Fund: $1555.00

Total Charity Donations: $14,476.31