How do Dan and Katie Hollerman give back to the Lake Minnetonka community?

Dan and Katie Hollerman are deeply committed to strengthening their community through education, local initiatives, and community development. They dedicate time, resources, and leadership to causes that support local families and students, including volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for educational programs.

What is the Orono Foundation for Education, and how are the Hollermans involved?

The Orono Foundation for Education (OFE) is a nonprofit organization that enhances educational opportunities in the Orono School District. Katie Hollerman serves as Board Chair, leading initiatives that provide grants, resources, and programs to students and teachers. Dan and Katie support these efforts through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement.

What is the Red & Blue Bash and why is it important?

The Red & Blue Bash is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by the Orono Foundation for Education. Led by Katie Hollerman and supported by the Hollermans, the event brings together parents, alumni, teachers, and community members to raise critical funds for programs, technology, teacher training, and curriculum enhancements that benefit all students in the Orono School District.

How much did the Orono Foundation for Education contribute to schools this year?

This year, the Orono Foundation for Education made a historic contribution of $839,000 in grants—the largest single annual gift in its history. Funds supported initiatives across all grade levels, including a new College & Career Center, literacy programs, world languages and AP courses, auditorium upgrades, character education, scholarships, and teacher training.

What types of programs and projects do the Hollermans support in local schools?

The Hollermans support a wide range of educational initiatives, including curriculum development, technology upgrades, teacher training, literacy programs, character education, scholarships for graduating seniors, and arts and letters programming for K–5 students. Their efforts help enhance the learning environment and opportunities for every student in the Orono School District.

How can the community get involved in supporting local education with the Hollermans?

Community members can participate by attending fundraising events like the Red & Blue Bash, volunteering with local programs, donating to the Orono Foundation for Education, or partnering on initiatives that benefit students and teachers. The Hollermans encourage active engagement to help strengthen schools and communities around Lake Minnetonka.

Why is giving back important to Dan and Katie Hollerman?

For Dan and Katie Hollerman, giving back is a core value. They believe in investing in the people and communities around Lake Minnetonka, ensuring strong educational opportunities, supporting local families, and helping build a vibrant, thriving community. Their philanthropic work reflects their commitment to making a lasting, meaningful impact.

Giving Back

For Dan and Katie Hollerman, giving back is at the heart of everything they do. They are deeply committed to strengthening the community they call home, dedicating their time and resources to initiatives that support local families and students. From Katie’s leadership on the Orono Foundation for Education Board and her past service with the Orono PTO, to their shared passion for community development, the Hollermans take pride in investing in the people and communities around Lake Minnetonka.

Katie Hollerman

Orono Foundation for Education | Board Chair

Katie Hollerman is a passionate advocate for education and an active supporter of the Orono community. As Board Chair of the Orono Foundation for Education, she leads efforts to enhance educational opportunities and promote academic excellence across the district. Her commitment to investing in students, teachers, and the future of local schools reflects her deep belief in the power of strong public education to build vibrant, thriving communities.

Red & Blue Bash

Katie, alongside the Orono Foundation for Education, leads the annual Red & Blue Bash, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser. The event brings the community together—from parents and alumni to teachers, administrators, and students—and raises critical funds that ensure Orono students have access to an exceptional education while teachers receive the resources and programs they need to excel.

Beyond an evening of laughter, dancing, and connection, the Bash has a lasting impact. It supports technology, curriculum development, teacher training, and specialist roles that enhance the district’s offerings. This year, Katie and Mollie Hollerman presented the OFE donation to the Orono School Board. As Board Chair, Katie has led with passion and dedication, expanding opportunities for every student, while Mollie, a junior at OHS, has shown remarkable leadership and commitment to student involvement in OFE, making a lasting impact on her classmates and the broader Orono community.

Katie and Mollie Hollerman present the Orono Foundation for Education check to the Orono School Board

A Record-Breaking Year for Orono Schools!

This year’s contribution is especially historic, $839,000 in grants is the largest single annual gift from the Foundation to the Orono School District! These investments will benefit every building, from pre-K through 12th grade, impacting students, teachers, and families in meaningful ways:

- $250,000 for a new College & Career Center at the high school.

- $200,000 through the Annual Fund Grant, sustaining programs like K–8 World Languages & AP courses.

- $110,000 from the Educator Excellence Fund for additional teacher training.

- $100,000 for upgraded auditorium lighting.

- $125,000 dedicated to literacy, including the new K–5 Arts & Letters curriculum.

- $45,000 for character education.

- $6,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors.

- $3,000 for the annual retirement breakfast.