Local Nonprofit Founder Wins Regional Changemaker Award
The $5,000 prize provides new capital for the recipient's healing center, showcasing local corporate philanthropic support.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
Tami Kruzel, founder of the Waite Park-based healing center Bri's Lodge, received the annual Changemaker Award on September 24. The St. Cloud Financial Credit Union presented the honor at a recent banquet to recognize regional community support efforts.
Why it matters
Local business leaders and nonprofits frequently participate in such sponsored recognition programs to bolster community brand visibility and support regional outreach initiatives. The award highlights how individual-led ventures like Bri's Lodge sustain operations through localized philanthropy and partnership.
The award program provided a $5,000 prize to the winner and $3,000 each to three runners-up. These funds support entities like Bri's Lodge, which has been operating for approximately 10 years.
The players
Tami Kruzel
Founder and operator of the Waite Park nonprofit grief-and-loss healing center Bri's Lodge.
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
A financial services institution that sponsors regional community award programs.
The details
The Changemaker Award is funded by a coalition of regional business interests including St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, St. Cloud Live, Face Time Business Resources, and Advantage 1 Insurance. Recipients are selected for their contributions to community assistance in central Minnesota, with the award structured to provide immediate liquid capital to the winner and finalists for their respective organizations.
Timeline
September 28, 2013: BriAnna Kruzel was found deceased.
Approximately 2016: Bri's Lodge opened in Waite Park.
September 24, 2026: Tami Kruzel received the Changemaker Award.
Market Landscape
This award recognition reflects the ongoing role of regional credit unions in supporting community-based organizations that maintain 501(c)(3) status. It marks a continuation of localized philanthropic support patterns within the central Minnesota business sector.
Business operators should monitor such regional award cycles as potential opportunities for partnership or grant-based funding for community-facing projects. Owners should consult with accounting counsel regarding the treatment of unsolicited prize money as taxable or exempt income.
The takeaway
Recognizing and participating in local awards can serve as a meaningful metric for community integration and brand reputation. Leaders should track these sponsorship calendars to identify potential funding sources or networking opportunities for their own operations.
Further reading
For more on how local businesses engage with the community, see our coverage of Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Newsleaders.
