Ernie Rall

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In honor of NMF's upcoming 30th anniversary and National Philanthropy Month, we want to celebrate the contributions of our donors! We will be highlighting a donor a day for the month of November.

Please be sure to check the blog often to read about the wonderful stories of giving back to the northwest region. 

If you are interested in making a difference through the services of our community foundation, our development officers would be happy to assist you. Please contact Caryl Turnow or Lisa Peterson at 218-759-2057 to learn more.


Ernie and Pat Rall moved to Bemidji in 2000 to be near their only child. Ernie remembers coming from New York that Memorial Day weekend, and what a whirlwind it was! 

"Even though our daughter was living in Grand Forks, we decided we liked Bemidji and we wanted a place on a lake." Ernie added, "Our daughter set up a few realtor appointments and we bought a home -- all in one weekend."

The couple quickly became assimilated to the Bemidji area. They got connected through Lifelong Learning seminars and the various arts activities taking place in the community. "I became involved with the Bemidji Community Theatre and I am now the chair of that board," said Ernie. 

After encouragement from his daughter, he established the Ernie Rall Children's Performing Arts Fund, which supports programs, projects, activities and organizations in the Bemidji area that help young people to continue their interest in the performing arts.

Giving to the local youth has been very rewarding for Ernie, as he has watched young people evolve with the performing arts. "That is our future - the youth. I really get a kick out of watching these kids progress."

Ernie also noted, "We are fortunate to live in this community - so it's worthy of our support." 

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