1954
The Minnesota Epilepsy League Assembles
A group of University of Minnesota doctors and social workers from the League to address statewide concerns about the unique and problematic issues facing people with epilepsy.
1957
The League Incorporates
The League works to encourage public understanding of epilepsy, further social research, and improve employment opportunities for those with epilepsy.
1964
The League Opens Its First Office
The League opens its first office at 614 Portland Avenue in Saint Paul and employs its first staff member.
1975
First Support Group Forms
The group’s sessions focus on improving individuals’ personal demeanor, determination, and confidence.
1978
Patty Wilson Runs
Patty Wilson, a teenage girl with epilepsy, rungs over 2,000 miles from Minneapolis to Washington D.C. to raise epilepsy awareness.
1982
People House Opens
The People House opens as a residential facility for people with epilepsy who need transitional housing. A lack of state funding closes People House in 1987. In 1988, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, along with People Inc. and MINCEP, lobby for more state funding called the S.E.A.R.C.H. Epilepsy Program (now known as People Inc. Epilepsy Services) for those with epilepsy.
1983
First Summer of Camp Oz
Children and teens with epilepsy attend Camp Oz, which combines a traditional summer camp experience with the security of onsite medical and behavioral staff. Camp Oz is the first camp of its kind in the state.
1984
The League Becomes the Epilepsy Found of Minnesota
The Minnesota Epilepsy League changes its name to recognize its national affiliate, the Epilepsy Foundation of America.
1987
Epilepsy Support Program at Twin Cities Universities and Colleges
EFMN opens a branch on the University of Minnesota campus to provide information, counseling, advocacy, and support to students with epilepsy. EFMN also performs outreach programs to other Twin Cities campuses.
1988
First “Thai-Two-On” Benefit Walk and Run
With support from Sawatdee Thai Restaurants, EFMN holds the “Thai-Two-On” fundraising event, which features over 1,200 participants. The event continues annually until 1996.
Charitable Gambling Program Begins
EFMN uses charitable gaming as a funding source until 2001.
1995
EFMN Commences Used Clothing Program
To increase fundraising revenue, EFMN beings collecting used clothing in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud areas. Used clothing collection remains one of the largest funding sources to EFMN to date.
B.B. King Plays at EFMN Fundraising Event
Northwest Airlines sponsors “A Private Evening with B.B. and Lucille”. The event is a sellout, and raises funds to train emergency response personnel.
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1999
EFMN Unveils the Pathfinding Initiative
After 18 months of strategic planning, the board of directors institutes their vision for the future of EFMN. The main areas of focus include:
- Knowledge Management
- Youth/Family Services
- Marketing and Communication
- Revenue Development
First “Stroll for Epilepsy” Event
The first annual stroll is held in Rochester. The stroll expands to St. Cloud in 2000, and then the Twin Cities in 2002.
2003
Northland Offices Opens
EFMN opens offices to provide services in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota areas.
2005
EFMN Receives “Golden Circle” & “Program Excellence” Awards
The Foundation receives the “Golden Circle” Fundraising and “Program Excellence” Awards from the national Epilepsy Foundation.
2006
EFMN Receives “Golden Circle” & “Affiliate of the Year” Awards.
EFMN receives the “Golden Circle” Fundraising and “Affiliate of the Year” Awards.
2007
EFMN Receives “Golden Circle” & “Affiliate of the Year” Awards
National Epilepsy Foundation awards given to EFMN: the “Golden Circle” Fundraising and “Affiliate of the Year” Awards.
2008
EFMN Receives “Golden Circle” & “Standards of Excellence” Awards
EFMN receives the “Golden Circle” Fundraising award and a “Standards of Excellence” affiliate rating from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
2009
EFMN Receives “Standards of Excellence” & “National Research Support” Awards
The Foundation receives the “Standard of Excellence” and “National Research Support” awards.
2010
EFMN Receives the “Golden Circle” for 6th Year in a Row
For the sixth year in a row, EFMN receives the “Golden Circle” Fundraising Award. It also receives the “National Research Support” award and Bennie Loro was named “Executive Director of the Year.” For innovation in programming, the “Coehlo Cup” is also awarded.
Executive Director Bennie Loro Retires
Executive Director Bennie Loro retires after 10 years and Vicki Kopplin is appointed as the new executive director.
2011
Used Clothing Program Receives “William O. Ellison” Award
For its used clothing program, the Foundation receives the “William O. Ellison” Award for its partnership with Savers.
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