It's August!
Ahh, late summer, when the cucumbers ripen and the melons are sweet, and alll the community events happen... am I right?! Our team here at Engage Winona is busy this month with lots of exciting, impactful programs, from community conversations to block parties.
Plus, we're having a fundraising campaign to raise $3,000 this month. Like many nonprofits, Engage Winona needs community support to fill funding gaps this year. Your support keeps conversations, training, and connection opportunities going strong for everyone in Winona. Here are a few ways you can help us out - that work for any budget!
Donate today or become a monthly donor! Even $5 per month helps us continue our work.
Come to our ice cream fundraiser on August 21 at Nate & Ally's! A portion of proceeds will go to Engage Winona, plus you can join us in the basement from 5:30-7 for activities and art.
Buy a Big Muddy Best in Area Tasting ticket - $15 gets you 8 tasty bites from area restaurants, and proceeds and tips support Engage Winona and other nonprofits!
Save the date of Tuesday, October 14 for our annual fundraiser dinner. Our theme this year is Rooted in Community. Tickets go on sale in early September!
Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you out there!
- Marcia Ratliff, Executive Director
Going strong at Winona Together!
We’re excited to welcome you to the last two gatherings in the Winona Together community conversation series!
Join us at Peter's Biergarten in downtown Winona from 5-7 p.m. Weaving Community Connections - Tuesday, August 12
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation as we explore the small, everyday ways we build trust and community together.
Celebrating with Lived Experience Leaders - Tuesday, Sept. 9
Help us celebrate this year’s Lived Experience Leaders graduates and reflect on the strengths and lived experiences we each bring to community.
These events are free and open to all. Come as you are!
With gratitude to all our event sponsors Coca-Cola of Winona, Fastenal, Peter's Biergarten, and United Way of Southeast Minnesota, and a very special thank you to Miller Ingenuity for their generous support of the Lived Experience Leaders program!
But wait, there's more! Community Block Parties
Thank you to all who joined us for the block party at Maplewood on August 5! We had over 130 neighbors attend, and 20+ local organizations came to share resources and build relationships.
And the fun isn’t over! We're excited to invite you to two more opportunities to join in:
Friday, August 15 | 5–7 p.m. – End of Summer in the Street
Join us downtown (outside of the Engage Winona office on 3rd Street) for Winona in the Street hosted by the Winona Main Street Program! This “End of Summer” edition will be a fun evening of music, food, and connecting with friends and neighbors - and local nonprofits!
Friday, August 29 | 3–7 p.m. – East End Rec Center Block Party
We're excited to partner with Winona Park and Rec for their East End Rec Block Party. There will be food, games, community resources, and activities for all ages, so mark your calendar to join us for a perfect way to wrap up the summer with connection and fun!
A special thank you to our block party sponsors — the Rotary Club of Winona, Eagles Club #1243, and Winona Health for their generous support in making these celebrations possible!
Three LEL graduates selected for Creative Community Leaders program
Engage Winona is thrilled to celebrate three community members who have been selected for our Creative Community Leaders program! Over the coming months, local artists Co, Carrie Frederich, and Kristine Hipps will design and deliver creative programming that invites community participation. They will receive a small stipend, technical support, and individual and group coaching from community-engaged artist Sarah Johnson of The Joy Labs.
The artists' work will culminate in a capstone event in early 2026, showcasing the projects they’ve developed and the impact they’ve made. This initiative supports graduates of our Lived Experience Leaders program, which amplifies and supports local residents to create the change they want to see in their community.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Don’t miss the Big Muddy Brew N Que
Love great food and supporting Engage Winona? Then mark your calendar for the Big Muddy Brew N Que, presented by the Winona Main Street Program! Join us on Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Levee Park for the Best-in-Area Tasting Competition. Eight local restaurants will team up with area nonprofits to serve up mouthwatering tasting portions — and you get to try them all!
We’re especially excited to partner with the Boat House — trust us, you won’t want to miss what they’re cooking up! Grab your tickets today to support Engage Winona and other fantastic local organizations. Get your tickets at givebutter.com/VhTgG2 or email us at engage@engagewinona.org to arrange a time to pick them up!
Join the conversation on housing
The Winona Area Kitchen Table and Project Optimist warmly invite you to a Housing Dialogue on Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Winona County Historical Society.
All are welcome to join this engaging evening of conversation where community members connect about housing challenges and hopes in our region. Through thoughtful, moderated discussions, we’ll build understanding, trust, and connection.
Did we mention there’s a free dinner? Come hungry for good food and meaningful conversation.
Rooted in Community - Annual Fundraiser
Engage Winona is excited to announce our annual fundraiser, held at The Parlour Room on Tuesday, October 14, at 6 pm, will put our mission on display and bring to life what we mean by rooted in community. You’ll enjoy a delicious harvest dinner featuring local food by Heirloom Seasonal Bistro, and you’ll witness firsthand how we’re working to cultivate stronger communities in the Winona area.
Save the date, tickets coming soon!