Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund Honors Community Builders

The Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund has honored Lori Forshee-Donnay of Bemidji and Mary Beth Sargeant of Crookston as this year's recipients of its annual Community Builder Awards. The two women received the awards in recognition of the significant differences they have made in improving their communities.

Nancy Carroll, chair of the Women's Fund, noted that the two women were a perfect fit for the criteria of the award program. "Both of these women have been very active volunteers in leadership roles," Carroll said. "They continue to excel in their chosen professions and serve as mentors through their own example, while encouraging other people to be the best that they can be."

Lori Forshee-Donnay is the co-founder and owner of Tutto Bene Italian Ristorante in downtown Bemidji. In 1995, Forshee-Donnay and her partners, Jon Cameron and Dennis Bartz, bought a downtown Bemidji building, gutted it, and rebuilt it according to their business plan for a restaurant. They chose the name Tutto Bene, which means "all is well." 

Besides her business, Forshee-Donnay is active in the community in several roles. She is involved with the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce and is a supporter of a variety of arts activities. She has served on the Chamber board in many capacities, including as first vice president and president. Currently she is an active member involved with several Chamber committees and other philanthropic organizations.

Tutto Bene sponsors a 10K run during the Jaycee's Water Carnival, which takes place annually over the 4th of July weekend. The restaurant is an original sponsor of the Bemidji Sculpture Walk, has underwritten plays at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse and supports arts and sports activities both in the community and at Bemidji State University.

Mary Beth Sargeant is the former co-owner of Ye Ole Print Shop, worked with United Way, and since 1993 has been employed as the physician services coordinator for Riverview Health.

Sargeant has been actively involved with many community organizations, including serving as president of the Crookston Chamber of Commerce, UMC Women's Association, Agassiz Study Club, Matrons Club and Crookston Mrs. Jaycees, and as chair of the Riverview Healthcare Foundation. She has been an active board member of: Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Riverview Healthcare Association, Crookston Habitat for Humanity, Crookston Economic Development Board, Trinity Lutheran Church Council, P.E.O. Sisterhood. In addition, Sargeant has served on the Agassiz Awards Committee for the Red River Valley Winter Shows, the UMC Capital Campaign Steering Committee, and the Bede Ballroom Restoration Committee at UMC, and as a North Star 4-H Club adult leader, a United Way volunteer and a Blandin Community Leadership Program participant.

The Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. The Women's Fund serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for women and girls, promoting ideas and supporting programs for the continued strengthening and empowerment of all women.

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