Sunshine, Friendship, Community and Generosity

Every winter, as the cold settles over the Red River Valley, something remarkable happens 1,800 miles away on the shores of Marco Island. Grand Forks families, friends, and longtime community supporters gather under the Florida sun for an evening that feels equal parts reunion, celebration, and heartfelt commitment to the future of our children.

On March 10, 2026, this cherished tradition continues as the Marco Island-Grand Forks Celebration returns for another year of connection, generosity, and shared purpose. What began as a simple get‑together to share a vision, has grown into one of the most joyful and impactful gatherings supporting the Grand Forks Children’s Museum.

The Marco Island event has become a kind of winter homecoming for those who grew up in Grand Forks, raised families there, or simply carry the community in their hearts. Many attendees have known each other for decades. Others are new friends who share a common thread: a desire to give back to the community that helped shaped them.

There’s something special about watching people reconnect, laughing over old stories, swapping updates about kids and grandkids, and celebrating the progress of a project that belongs to all of us. The warmth in the room has nothing to do with the Florida weather. It’s the unmistakable warmth of community and friends.

Over the past several years, the Marco Island gathering has quietly become one of the most successful and consistent sources of support for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. Attendees have stepped forward with extraordinary generosity: gifts that have helped fuel design work, educational planning, exhibit development, and the momentum behind our capital campaign.

This year’s event on March 10, promises to continue that legacy. The Marco Island community has shown time and again that distance doesn’t diminish commitment. Their support is a powerful reminder that this museum is a project built not just by Grand Forks residents, but by everyone who still calls Grand Forks “home,” - no matter where they spend the winter months.

The Grand Forks Children’s Museum is more than a building. It’s a promise to our children. A place where families can spend time together. A place where learning is disguised as fun. A place that reflects the spirit of Grand Forks: resilient, generous, and forward‑looking.

The Marco Island celebration reminds us that this promise resonates far beyond city limits. People who once lived in Grand Forks, or still feel deeply connected to it, continue to invest in its future. Their support is a powerful reminder that community isn’t defined by geography. It’s defined by connection.

As we move closer to opening the doors of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, we are deeply grateful for the Marco Island community and the tradition they’ve built. Their generosity has helped bring this project to life, and their belief in our mission strengthens us every step of the way.

To everyone planning to join us on March 10, 2026, thank you. Your commitment shines as brightly as the Florida sun, and its impact will be felt by children and families in Grand Forks for decades to come.

Katie Mayer, Executive Director, Grand Forks Children's Museum