The "Living the Dream Award" was presented to Hy Rosen, executive director and founder of the Greater Lake Country Food Bank in Minneapolis.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Produced by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18 with a day-long series of special events that culminated with a commemoration and award ceremony that was held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the MPRB’s “Living the Dream” Award, which was given to Hy Rosen, executive director and founder of the Greater Lake Country Food Bank (GLCFB). Rosen was honored for his unselfish devotion to improving the lives of Minneapolis residents and his tireless support of park programs.

Rosen’s most recent endeavor with the MPRB is the Feeding the Dream Community Food Drive, in which staff and volunteers from the MPRB’s Diversity Council, Youthline Mentoring Program and others helped gather food donations.

“Working with Hy Rosen is always a pleasure,” said Jon Gurban, Park Board Superintendent. “His dedication to improving the community is inspirational.”

Through the Feeding the Dream Community Food Drive, park goers were encouraged to bring food donations, from Dec. 1 to Jan 16, to collection centers located at 19 recreation centers in parks citywide. All donations were given to GLCFB for distribution.

“The response to Feeding the Dream has been amazing,” said Gurban. “It’s been so well received that we intend to make the food drive a part of our annual Martin Luther King Day celebrations in the future.”

This year’s event was hosted by Danni Starr, the 2007 Ms. Minnesota International, and featured performances by youth actors from SteppingStone Theatre and a keynote address by Al Newman, former player and coach for the Minnesota Twins.

For more information about the MPRB’s 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations and the Feeding the Dream Community Food Drive, visit www.minneapolisparks.org – Special Events – Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or call 612-230-6400. For more information about the Greater Lake Country Food Bank, visit www.glcfb.org or call 612-340-9694.