Serving the Community With Joy Collaborative
Our recent event with The Joy Collaborative was an unforgettable celebration of community, connection, and empowerment. Our goal was to bring attention to Joy Collaborative’s mission of helping over 66,000 children in Minnesota with the power of design. By designing personal spaces in their homes that can dramatically improve their quality of life, we have a chance to serve families in our Twin Cities community!
The Venue
The event was hosted at the stunning Medicine Lake build, a beautiful home that provided a fitting backdrop for the evening (and served to draw in attendees). Guests were treated to a house tour, delicious food, drinks, and an unforgettable testimony from a family whose son had benefitted from a Joy Room.
Hearing this father speak about how a specially designed space transformed their lives was a moment I’ll never forget! It really served to show the profound impact of Joy Collaborative’s work on those with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones. Mark Ostrom, founder of Joy Collaborative, also shared his vision going forward and examples of how these life-changing spaces have positively impacted families.
Fostering Fun and Connection
Beyond the presentations, the event also offered plenty of fun! Outdoor games allowed guests to mingle and connect, setting the tone for a good time. The evening’s highlight was definitely the unique community art experiment led by Drew Beson, a close friend of the organizers. Large tarps and a giant canvas were laid out, and participants used squirt guns to create a vibrant piece of art.
The twist? Mark Ostrom and another participant stood in front of the canvas, moving around as targets. The resulting artwork, along with the paint-splattered hats and shirts, was later auctioned off to raise additional funds for the nonprofit organization Joy Collaborative. It was a ton of fun—and a huge success!
The Joy Mobile
The Joy Mobile, a rolling lab of therapy and fun, was on display during the event. This innovative mobile space (available to rent for activities and parties) brings the calming and therapeutic benefits of a Joy Room. It’s a great way to raise awareness and funds! The mobile is a testament to Joy Collaborative’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and their families. We expect to see the Joy Mobile become a fleet in the near future!
Creating Lasting Impact
For us, supporting this cause is deeply personal. Mark has long wanted to give back to the community on a local level, and with two cousins and an uncle with special needs, Joy Collaborative’s mission was the perfect choice.
As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of accomplishment and (fittingly enough) joy. The funds raised will help bring more Joy Rooms to those in need, making a lasting impact on the lives of youth in the Twin Cities. This fundraising event was a beautiful reminder of the incredible things that can be achieved when we all come together to make a difference.
