The Story of Ron Borchert
Ronald Borchert was the face of recreation/sports in Balaton, MN in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He was a teacher, coach, youth recreation director, mentor, and recreation advocate. He influenced hundreds of children and young adults. His impact can be witnessed in the comments of the individuals who shared their testimonies. His legacy lives on through the people he inspired to live healthy, productive, personal, connective, and community-orientated lives.
Coach Borchert died on December 13, 2019, as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, friend, and active community member. In 2021, the Class of 1969 honored him with a memorial bench at the Balaton Eastbay Park. A golf challenge followed this, and a committee was then developed to focus on making real and impactful changes to the community of Balaton, to improve recreation and healthy living for current and future residents.
An endowment fund was established on May 30, 2023 through the Southwest Initiative Foundation. Annual proceeds from this endowment will be distributed to the City of Balaton to promote and enhance recreation in the parks of Balaton.
Coach Borchert was a memorable guy who promoted a healthy and engaging lifestyle for rural America. Former students, athletes, and friends are banding together to start something that will further the agenda Ron began decades ago.
Become a supporter of The Borchert Challenge. Your monetary contribution to the endowment will expand recreational activities for all who live in or visit Balaton, MN. Our success with this excellent goal will provide annual revenues to maintain and improve high standards for the parks of Balaton with focus on creating healthy activities through the development of a camping/recreational park on Maple Street.
Learn more about our goals by contacting one of
The Borchert Challenge team members.
The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund
The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund will generate annual revenues for the purpose to help maintain and improve high standards for the parks of Balaton, including but not limited to creating and maintaining recreational activity through the development of the park located on Maple Street. (the former public school athletic field complex).
How can you donate?
“The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund" agreement was established with Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) on May 30, 2023! Your gifting commitments allow us to confidently and boldly plan for future projects.
Gifting Options: One time or recurring monthly
Gifting Methods:
-Online giving with CREDIT/DEBIT CARD website >> - The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund agreement was established with Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) on May 30, 2023. Online giving managed by SWIF directly.
-CHECK - Checks should be written to “The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund” and mailed to:
Southwest Initiative Foundation
15 Third Avenue NW
Hutchinson, MN 55350.
In the spring of each year, SWIF will send annual interest income to the City of Balaton for the purpose stated in the opening paragraph. Historically, endowment fund investments have generated about nine percent gains. Typically, five percent of these gains will be sent to Balaton, one percent will go to SWIF for management of the endowment fund, and the remaining earnings (typically three percent) will be returned to the Endowment Fund as a hedge against inflation.
Please understand The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund donations will remain within SWIF management into perpetuity. That means for upcoming decades and generations these endowment donations will continue to support recreation/sports for Balaton residents and visitors.
Your contributions will ensure that recreation/sports remain a priority for the Balaton community into the future. Only time will tell how this endeavor may enhance residential and economic development in the upcoming out years and decades.
Decisions of how The Borchert Challenge Endowment Fund income will be applied annually to comply with the endowment fund purpose statement will be the responsibility and authority of the Balaton City Council.
July 2023
The Borchert Challenge Gift Range
$1,000,000 Goal to Begin Projects
Become a supporter of The Borchert Challenge
Your monetary contribution to the endowment will provide annual revenue to maintain and improve the parks of Balaton.
The chart below is we can accomplish our goal. Select your monetary contribution and Donate Today.
Thank you, with great appreciation from current and future residents of Balaton.
10% of donors
60% of goal
Gift Range
$50,000
$25,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
No. of Gifts
4
4
6
11
20
$ per Range
$200,000
$100,000
$90,000
$110,000
$100,000
Cumulative $
$200,000
$300,000
$390,000
$500,000
$600,000
20% of donors
20% of goal
Gift Range
$2,500
$2,000
No. of Gifts
40
50
$ per Range
$100,000
$100,000
Cumulative $
$700,000
$800,000
70% of donors
20% of goal
Gift Range
$1,500
$1,000
$<500
(average gift $200)
No. of Gifts
58
77
180
$ per Range
$87,000
$77,000
$36,000
Cumulative $
$887,000
$964,000
$1,000,000
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