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Home for Life "All It Takes is One"
Home for Life in Star Prairie, Wisconsin, is an animal sanctuary like no other. Founded by Lisa LaVerdiere, its mission is to give a permanent home to dogs, cats and other animals that are not adoptable, for any number of reasons. This video follows their Peace Creatures program, where select animals are taken to senior facilities, domestic abuse shelters and prisons where they give comfort to many. We were pleased that the singer/songwriter, Tina Dico gave us permission to use her beautiful song, "One", to help tell this story. |
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St Louis Park Friends of the Arts "Gift of Music"
The Gift of Music is a brilliant and simple program that pairs orphaned musical instruments with eager and deserving kids whose families may not have the means to get them a quality instrument to learn and grow with. Working with FOTA Director, Jamie Marshall, we got to meet some passionate young musicians and one of the donors who made a young girl's dreams of learning and growing with a flute worthy of her musical talent. It's a heart warming story that we were proud to be able to help tell. |
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Brown & Greene Floral
This is a very special independently-owned florist near my home in Minneapolis. The owner, Lyn Williams, has assembled a talented team of designers that truly care about their craft and design every bouquet as it's ordered. There's no generic designs or pedestrian blooms. Everything they do is exquisite. Even better, the atmosphere the space exudes is so inviting, warm and friendly. Besides gorgeous arrangements, the place is filled with funny greeting cards, hand-selected gift ideas, unique candles and soaps and best of all, lots of good conversation and laughter all day long. |
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Urban Sketchers, Twin Cities "Midtown Global Mkt"
My wife, Pam Luer, is an artist and art teacher (who you can learn more about here) who is also involved in a global all-volunteer non-profit called Urban Sketchers. Their mission is to encourage the art of on-location drawing as a way to tell stories and connect people from around the world. In this video, I followed the group to the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. It provided a colorful backdrop for these talented artists to enjoy world-class food in a casual and welcoming environment. |
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MN Pets
For those of us who love our pets like family, the loss of their companionship is painful and traumatic. What makes it even worse is having to take them to the vet--a place they may not relish anyway--to say goodbye. Rebecca McComas, the creator of MN Pets, provides gentle euthanasia in the privacy and familiarity of your own home. It's a painful topic, but when we lost our Ragdoll, Toast, I sought out Rebecca to help tell the story of her business. As devastating as it is, people actually thank her and her team for making a difficult time just a little less difficult to endure. |
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West Metro Senior Softball
I don't FEEL like a senior. But the day I turned 55, I qualified for something pretty great--Senior Softball! I've been playing softball all my adult life and loathed the day I'd have to pack my glove and cleats away. Well, thanks to West Metro Senior Softball, I've learned a couple of things: 1) As long as I have breath and can stand upright, there's a place for me to play the game I love. And 2) There are some pretty impressive athletes playing ball between the ages of 55 and 80+! This video shows you a few of them and is hosted by Bob Hartshorn, a retired ob/gyn with a great personality and a mighty swing. I'm proud to play with these guys...and to represent for the cause on this video. |
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Mangy Moose Motel
We were sad to see our friends, Don and Dave, leave the Twin Cities, but were delighted to learn they had purchased The Mangy Moose in Grand Marais, MN. On the northern tip of the state, Grand Marais is a relaxing getaway from the city, with plenty of year-round outdoor activities. And the Mangy Moose is a comfy, up-to-date, yet down-home oasis for those who want to enjoy some outdoor adventure, yet come back to a clean, well-appointed living space. I was glad to create this video for my friends and hope it's given new visitors a taste of the warmth and hospitality they'll find at the Mangy Moose. |
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Rush River Produce
On a motorbike trip one summer, I happened upon this amazing blueberry farm near Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. The setting was idyllic and the fruit was out of this world. I was so moved by the experience of this pick your own family farm, I asked the owners, John & Terry Cuddy, if I could do a video for their website. They weren't sure what to expect, but played along when I asked to interview them and their guests. The result is a video that has brought them new business and been a delight to them and their customers. In fact, I regularly visit their website, especially in the winter, to relish this slice of heaven and prepare myself for my next summer's visits. |