Since 1963, the Naeve Healthcare Foundation has provided an organized framework to raise needed funding for healthcare needs in the community. Dan Kolker, attorney with the law firm of Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, LTD has served on the board of director of the NHCF since 2013. During his tenure on the board, the NHCF has donated over $1.5 million to support local healthcare.


In 2013, Dan stepped forward to serve as President of the NHCF board of directors. As articulated by Sue Loch, Executive Director for the Naeve Healthcare Foundation, ““I have the utmost respect for Dan. He stepped up to the role of President during a difficult time and has always led with character. Even in the face of differing opinions, Dan has had the skills to guide the board by being thoughtful, honest and calm. Dan’s experience as an attorney has been very valuable throughout his tenure on the board. I value my relationship with Dan, I know he will always listen, give me his honest opinion and he understands how to work together as a board.”


When asked to provide his personal perspective on his service on the NHCF Kolker commented, “The Naeve Health Care Foundation has been an important part of our community for over half a century. It has been an honor to serve on a board with such a long and successful history. This Foundation will continue to be an important part of Albert Lea’s future. I want to thank the Board members who have been diligent in ensuring that the Foundation continues to serve the Health Care needs of the people in Albert Lea and the surrounding communities, now and in the future.”
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Naeve Health Care Foundation is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation supporting local health care through gifts to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.
Dan has been with the firm since 2003 and has dedicated his practice to real estate, probate and estate planning.

This past holiday season, Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, LTD continued
its tradition of contributing to the Albert Lea community. We partnered
with the 112 on Broadway in providing a delicious warm meal to those in our
community that could not be with their loved ones during the holiday. With
our donation and others from the community, the 112 on Broadway in Albert
Lea was able to prepare and deliver around 400 meals to the entire campus
of St. John’s assisted living facility for their residents and staff. The
112 on Broadway hand rolled 1200 of their made from scratch Swedish
Meatballs for everyone to enjoy. We could not be prouder to live in a
community that comes together during these trying times.

As part of the law firm's commitment to the community, our attorneys provide reduced or free legal services to many community-based organizations.  One of these organizations is the Wintergreen Food Cooperative, or Wintergreen Natural Foods.  

Wintergreen is one of the oldest food coops in Minnesota and provides natural foods in a local grocery store setting. Wintergreen Natural Foods started doing business on November 26th 1976. Since that time, it has been run by a dedicated group of board members, volunteers and employees who maintain and provide Albert Lea with a source of local and organic products. Wintergreen has been a strong supporter and advocate of local growers and producers. Wintergreen proudly sells; Larry Schultz Organic Chicken from Owatonna, MN, Eckstrom Gardens honey from Albert Lea, MN, Whole Grain Milling organic chips from Welcome, MN, Hilltop Gardens vegetables from Hollandale, MN, and so much more. In addition to supporting local businesses, Wintergreen has a continuing effort to support Fair Trade, Women Owned, Orangutan friendly producers and other cooperatively run companies. 

Attorney Matt Benda acts as the attorney for Wintergreen on a volunteer basis.  As issues arise, the Board and staff rely on Benda to provide guidance on contract, employee and board-related matters.  If specific issues arise, Benda will attend board meetings in person and provide confidential advice to board members.  As explained by Andrew Wescott, Wintergreen Treasurer, "Matt often acts as the go-between for the board and different contract vendors to ensure that Wintergeen is treated fairly.  He has always been accessible to the board and his service is much appreciated by the board and everyone that cherishes Wintergreen."

In addition, Wintergreen recently went through revamping of their board make-up and procedures.  According to outgoing Board President Ariel Barkeim, "Matt was always just an email away and helped provide guidance and insight on everything from how to run a meeting to providing valuable insight on financial and employment related matters."  

Wintergreen Natural Foods is a great asset to the Albert Lea community and the law firm of Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, LTD, is proud to call Wintergreen one of our favorite community-based clients!

​Visit them at Wintergreen Natural Foods.

We will use this space to highlight volunteer work we do in the community, as well as others' contributions. Please keep an eye out for future articles.