About Us
For over 50 years, the Central Mesabi Medical Foundation (CMMF) has played a vital role in enhancing and improving health care through charitable financial gifts from generous donors and partners. Our commitment to supporting medical excellence is evidenced in the myriad gifts awarded annually within our hospital, clinics, and communities. By partnering with the CMMF, you are helping your family members, your friends, and your neighbors.
Who We Are
Chartered in 1967 as a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization under the leadership of founder Dr. Donald Nollet and his wife Marne, the Central Mesabi Medical Foundation (CMMF) was created to serve and enhance the health care community through the purchase of equipment, the support of community programs, and scholarships for future health care providers.
Today, the original passion, commitment, and legacy of lasting change live on as we honor the generosity and foresight of our founders. We work to continue their noble mission and commitment to enhancing health care resources for local patients and supporting medical excellence, which will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
Executive Board
- Andi Macenski, President
- Marella Warner, Vice President
- Andrew Borland, Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
- John Briski
- Steve Davidson
- Mike Fay
- Martha (Marty) Hnatko
- Greg Hoag
- Patricia Ives
- Bryan Lindsay
- Jeff Perunovich
- John (Jack) Ryan
- Todd Scaia
- Keith Turner
Scholarships
The CMMF scholarship committee awards a variety of scholarships to support students pursuing careers in health care-related fields. The CMMF is grateful for the generosity of those who support and invest in the education of our future health care providers.
Dr. Benjamin P. Owens Healthcare Career Scholarship for Incumbent Workers | Apply Here | Funded through the generous support of the Dr. Benjamin P. Owens Charitable Foundation, the scholarship is offered to individuals currently employed in a healthcare field who wish to advance their career through education and plan to remain in the central Iron Range area. The employee/student must be accepted and/or enrolled in an accredited health care program such as nursing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical school, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
Health Care Career Scholarships | Apply Here | Made possible through the kind generosity of Fairview Range employees and individual donors, the Health Care Career Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in health-related careers. A general major, such as biology, does not apply. First preference is given to individuals who graduated from or are permanent residents of Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Kinney, Nashwauk, Keewatin and Mountain Iron.
Max and Sara Edelstein Professional Health Career Scholarship | Apply Here | The Edelstein Scholarship was established to honor the memory and legacy of Hibbing philanthropists, Max and Sara Edelstein, and continues to be funded through the generosity of the Edelsteins' daughter, Mrs. Jean Schore. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in programs such as physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical school, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. Preference is given to students from Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Kinney, Cherry, Mt. Iron, Nashwauk and Keewatin.
Svigel Triplets Nursing Scholarship | Apply Here | Established and funded through the generous support of Stefan and Elaine (Svigel) Dunda to honor Mrs. Dunda’s parents and siblings – the first set of triplets born at the Hibbing General Hospital in 1953. Scholarship applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing degree and have demonstrated successful completion of at least one semester of coursework. The scholarship will be awarded in the second semester of study, or in the second or subsequent year(s) to a student who demonstrates successful progress in the program. Preference will be given to applicants who are graduates of Chisholm High School or reside in Chisholm.
Contact Stephany Vesel, Central Mesabi Medical Foundation Director, at 218-312-3034 or Stephany.Vesel@fairview.org
Get Involved
The CMMF partners with generous individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring the continuing health of our community. The funding provided by the CMMF to Fairview Range Hospital, Fairview Range Clinics, and the surrounding area varies in size depending on the scope of the project and its impact, but all of our support begins in exactly the same way: people helping people. Your generous gifts will help make a difference in thousands of lives in our region.
When you give to the Central Mesabi Medical Foundation, you’re making a major difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors in our community. Your gifts not only support our core medical services but also allow us to offer support to community programs.
There are many ways to support the Central Mesabi Medical Foundation. Whether you wish to support a specific hospital need, give a general donation, or help a future health care provider through funding a scholarship, we have a giving opportunity that's right for you. No matter how you give — or how much you give — you can know that your support makes a difference in your community — and beyond.
Types of gifts include:
- Bequests — through a will or other form of estate plan, a deferred gift can express an appreciation beyond current means.
- Beneficiary — designating the foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance, an annuity, or a will, is a way to allow your gift to go beyond your lifetime.
- Cash — always an acceptable donation in any amount.
- Charitable Trust — various trusts can be used to extend the value to the donor and the foundation.
- Garden of Life Flowers — The Garden of Life flowers are gifts often given in honor or remembrance of a friend, family member, or community member who has touched your life. It's a concrete and beautiful way to say, "thank you."
- Memorials – Memorial gifts to the foundation are appreciated to honor a loved one after death.
- Property — This can include a gift of securities, insurance policies, and real estate.
- Securities — Stocks, bonds and mutual funds can be donated.
As a 501(c) nonprofit organization, gifts to the CMMF can provide many tax-saving opportunities. These can be discussed in more detail with your attorney or tax advisor.
Central Mesabi Medical Foundation Seeks 2026 Allocation Requests
Allocation requests for 2026 are currently closed.
Contact Us
We’re eager to talk with you! Join us in our mission of helping to provide excellence in local health care through the support of technology, education, and programs. Your participation allows us to truly make a difference in meeting the needs of those we serve. It is an honor to partner with you as we work toward building a healthier community together.
Stephany Vesel, CMMF Director
750 E 34th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746
(218) 312-3034
Stephany.Vesel@fairview.org