COLUMN: Village News – MHV fundraising gala approaches

Every year we hear from numerous not-for-profit organizations about the value they bring to a community and the ‘good’ they are doing for community members. Along with this message comes the appeal to support the operations of the organization for the work to continue or to grow. Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is no different. Being a not-for-profit entity means that we are accountable for every dollar that is generated by us and every dollar that is donated to us. We spend time in the fall, identifying priorities and projects that are important to us, then in the new year we set a budget that encompasses all our plans, our needs, and the supplies and staffing that are required to accomplish our identified goals. This includes identifying how much money we can generate as part of our ‘business’ and how much we need to receive from other sources like grants and donations.

MHV treats every business unit on our premises as support for our programs, our exhibits and our beautiful outdoor village. People who pay admission when visiting are supporting our exhibits. Groups that rent our facilities support our heritage buildings and our hosting venues. Anyone who is shopping in our General Store or our Village Books and Gifts store, as well as those who are eating at our Livery Barn Restaurant, contribute to the museum’s programs and well-groomed outdoor environment. These streams of income, along with extra event sales, generate around 55 percent of our annual revenue budget. We are truly grateful for those of you who continue to enjoy our facilities throughout the year in these various ways.

Fundraisers are an important way to make up some of the difference between revenue and expenses. They are an important way for MHV to connect with supporters who share our vision, support our programs, and believe in the importance of preserving our heritage. The donations generated at our fundraising events help us achieve our mission and our financial goals. We have the chance to hear from the community about what matters, and they in turn are invited to get to know us better. Staff, volunteers and donors each play an important role in promoting the importance of what we do at MHV. It’s a chance to learn more about what ‘makes us tick’ and it is inspiring to hear stories of significant interactions where learning and understanding have occurred.

We have several fundraisers happening this summer, including a car show on July 26, our Peace Trek (cycling) on Aug. 16, and the annual Tractor Drive which has been moved to Sept. 6 this year. But the first opportunity to join us is to take place on June 27, when we present our annual MHV Gala Dinner. Attendees will enjoy an elegant dinner, wonderful music and a brief report on our programs and projects in 2025. But there is more! It is an honour to welcome former MP for Provencher, Jake Epp as our keynote speaker. We are looking forward to his reflections on Steinbach’s past as well as his perspectives on Canada’s growth and development over several decades. The theme for the evening is ‘Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future’. We are thankful for the support that has brought MHV to the present and we are eager to imagine together the role that MHV will continue to play in our community in the coming years.

Please join us on June 27 for a wonderful evening of support for the mission of Mennonite Heritage Village. Tickets can be purchased in person at reception, over the phone or online (www.mhv.ca).

Upcoming Events:

May to September – The museum, the Livery Barn Restaurant, the General Store, and Village Books and Gifts are open seven days per week.

May 29 – 10 a.m. – Mennonite World Conference ‘watch party’ in the auditorium. Free admission, donations are welcome.

June 13, 14, 15 – The Waffle Booth, located on Steinbach’s Main Street for Summer In The City.

June 15 – 11:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Father’s Day Buffet at the Livery Barn Restaurant.

June 18 – 7 p.m. – Guest lecturer Gareth Brandt in the auditorium. Topic: What happened 50 years ago, why is it significant, and why does it matter today?

June 27 – 6 p.m. – MHV Gala Fundraiser: Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future.