Wanda and Jess Dishman

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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.
Wanda and Jess Dishman


 Wanda and Jess Dishman received farmland in Oklee from her parents’ estate, so they decided to establish a trust with the land. When the time was right, they intended to sell the land and give the proceeds to support children and pets in the Oklee area. This support reflected passions of both the Dishmans and Wanda’s parents, Orlo and Millie Melby.

In the fall of 2013, Jess completed their vision to honor Wanda’s parents when the long-time farm managers were interested in buying the property.  The Orlo and Millie Melby Scholarship fund with approximately $286,000 in assets will provide scholarships for graduates of the Red Lake County Central School.  The Pennington County Human Society also received proceeds of the farm sale to help the pet population.   Wanda had passed away two years before the gifts were made, but because they had a plan, Jess was able to honor not only the Melby’s but his wife with these gifts.

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