Gift from Marks Group founder boosts Birkie foundation campaign
A significant charitable donation made by Ben Marks on behalf of Marks Group Wealth Management sparked a challenge that has snowballed into more than $1.3 million in gifts for the American Birkebeiner (“Birkie”) Ski Foundation.
Ben Popp, executive director of the Foundation, announced on March 8, 2024, that the recently completed Birkie’s 50th Anniversary Challenge Match resulted in total giving of $1,386,125.
“We are beyond ecstatic!” Popp exclaimed. “This all started with a generous gift from Ben Marks and the Marks Group.” Marks, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, donated $100,000 to the Foundation.
“When Ben approached me initially about this challenge, I asked my team if we could reach a $500K goal, because that seemed daunting,” remarked Popp. “Given all the challenges this weirdly mild and snowless winter has thrown at us, we weren’t even sure if we were going to be able to put on a world-class race this year. But our events team, trails team and foundation board worked really hard to make it happen.”
“When we get people onsite and they experience the Birkie, it’s a gamechanger.
It totally energizes people. They’re engaged, committed, and embrace this active lifestyle. And our fundraising literally parallels this,” Popp emphasized. “It’s an entire community rallying, sparked by a few. To realize that we increased Ben’s original gift thirteen-fold is remarkable. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.”
Equally compelling is the fact that, with this Challenge Match, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation raised 13% of its entire $10.2 million capital campaign in a mere three weeks. Including this match, the foundation has now received $7.2 million for the overall campaign.
“This really speaks to the passion that epitomizes our Birkie community as a whole,” Popp noted. “We value our partner brands, too, and the entire team at Marks Group Wealth Management is exceptional. They’ve stepped up as a corporate sponsor for the past five years and they have proven to be strong supporters.”
John Feste, President of Marks Group Wealth Management, underscored his organization’s commitment. “We can see the excitement generated by this great event. We understand the incredible tradition of excellence that surrounds the Birkie. The participants and volunteers are all extremely dedicated and they have high expectations. They want the very best and the Birkie delivers year after year.”
Feste explained that Marks Group has been giving back since its inception 15 years ago. “We believe strongly in paying it forward,” he said. “We are proud to be an independent, employee-owned business that actively supports charitable groups across the Twin Cities and the upper Midwest with our time and resources.”
“We continue to look for ways to create opportunities for area youth.” Ben Marks added. “This includes sponsoring Nordic skiing, mountain biking and high school athletic teams. We’re passionate about assisting organizations and events that promote an active lifestyle. And we’re delighted to support a world-class operation like the Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.”
About Marks Group Wealth Management
Investment advice offered through Marks Group Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) located in Minnetonka, MN. As of February 8, 2024, we manage $1.69 billion in assets primarily for high-net-worth families, private foundations, and small business retirement plans. Our advisors are fiduciaries, always acting in our clients’ best interest. We conduct our own research, build our own portfolios, and design and implement strategies based on a client’s specific needs and priorities. Our holistic approach has resulted in Barron’s naming Marks Group as one of the Top Advisors in America for 14 consecutive years*.
https://marksgroup.com/
About the 50th Anniversary $500K Challenge Match
The $500K Challenge is a matching $500,000 donation opportunity, which concluded on February 29, 2024. With generous gifts of $250,000 from Ed and Jenni Ryan, $100,000 from Ben Marks on behalf of Marks Group Wealth Management, $100,000 from Kate and David Mortenson and $50,000 from The Wheeler Family, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation created an opportunity to raise funds for the Campaign for Mt. Telemark Village and greatly exceeded its goal by reaching a total of more than $1.3 million.
https://www.birkie.com/mtv/
About The Campaign for Mt. Telemark Village
The Campaign for Mt. Telemark Village is a multi-year $10.2 million effort; the largest project the American Birkebeiner (“Birkie”) has ever undertaken. Telemark is home to the Birkie, the largest ski race in North America and third largest in the world. The centerpiece of the Campaign is a world class trail center, anchored by a new Base Camp building, along with enhanced snowmaking capabilities. This extensive trail center will include a rollerski loop, cross country trails, biathlon range, mountain bike cross country and enduro mountain bike trails, nature trail, youth park, an observation tower, museum and, on the site of the old Telemark Resort, a new “Lobby Plaza.”
https://www.birkie.com/mtv/vision/
*Barron’s Top Financial Advisors (2010-2023) is based on assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work.
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