Sustainability and Community Impact

As summer began in Bemidji, MN, the early morning of June 21st brought severe storms with winds reaching up to 120 MPH. Our community was hit hard - landscapes changed, businesses damaged, and power lost for days.

In the face of this crisis, The Sanford Center quickly became a designated emergency shelter, opening our doors to provide food, water, and safety for those in need. With the support of the American Red Cross, we were able to offer comfort and care to many during those critical early hours.

Despite sustaining damage ourselves, our priority remained clear - serve our community. Through long nights and tireless efforts, our team worked to create a safe haven for those affected.

We are incredibly grateful for the resilience and compassion shown by our neighbors. While Bemidji’s landscape may look different, the spirit of our people remains unchanged.

We are united.
We are resilient.
We are Bemidji Strong.

The Sanford Center's annual Northern Minnesota's Women's Expo is intended for those in our community to come together to learn, connect, and leave feeling inspired. From shopping local vendors, visiting booths, attending classes from powerful speeched to demonstrations, there is always something for everyone.

This 2026 event, it was $5 to get in with 50% of those fees going towards our non-profit this year, Village of Hope. On top of this initiative, 100% of our thrift shop revenue went to the organization too. In total, we donated over $1,500 to help Village of Hope achive thier mission in our community. We are thrilled to also say that we have surpassed all prior attendance numbers. We look forward to this event each year and we couldn't do it without our local community. 

The first annual Babe's Burnout Car Show kicked off with a bang on July 15, 2023. More than 3,200 people gathered at The Sanford Center's parking lot to view over 130 cars from Minnesota, North Dakota, Canada, and beyond. Three years later, attendance has doubled, with more cruisers joining here at The Sanford Center. 

Babe's Burnout Car Show is a free community event that includes various vendors, food trucks, a kid zone, a beer tent, an award ceremony, a dyno, and an EPIC burnout pit. Every year we look forward to seeing our community gather to enjoy a Bemidji summer day, we we strive to make this event your tradition. There is always something for everyone at the Babe's Burnout Car Show and we are thrilled for its return on July 10th, 2027!

In 2023 and 2024, The Sanford Center donated to several organizations, including Colors of Cancer, Sherlin Volunteer Fire Department, Miller Benefit, Voyagers Area Council, and the Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter. We also introduced signature drinks at the Bemidji State Men's hockey games, and a portion of the sales proceeds were donated to a local organization. During the past season, we donated $400 to Great River Rescue, $350 to North Country First Responders, $400 to United Way of Bemidji Area, $500 to the Minnesota Make-A-Wish Chapter, and $250 to Bemidji Community Food Shelf.

We are committed to giving back to our community by supporting various charitable causes, events, and organizations that align with our mission. If you are seeking a donation from us, please complete the form below.

Donation Request Form: Donation Request Form - The Sanford Center.pdf