In Maple Grove, investment doesn’t always start with a check. More often, it begins with something simpler — showing up for your neighbors.
Across the city, neighbors are giving their time, talents, and financial support to strengthen the community fabric. From gardens and classrooms to citywide celebrations, these everyday investments create the ripple effect that keeps Maple Grove connected and thriving.
The Ripple Effect of Showing Up
For Jamie Rae Miller — mother of two, artist and owner of Lime Street Creative + Co, art instructor at the Maple Grove Community Center, Master Gardener volunteer, Maple Grove Arts Center advocate, and proud rescue dog mom — community investment is deeply personal.
“I love how the ripple effect of kindness travels quickly throughout our neighborhoods when we invest some of our time and good energy into lifting those up around us,” Miller shares.
Through volunteer work with the Maple Grove Intergenerational Garden Club, community gardens, local schools, farmers markets, and neighborhood efforts, she helps both adults and children gain the confidence to grow their own gardens — and their connection to community.
Her impact extends indoors as well. Teaching art classes at the Maple Grove Community Center has opened the door to deeper relationships built through creativity.
Creating Belonging Through Service
For Brandon Vreeman, Board Member of the Maple Grove Community Organization, community investment comes down to one word: belonging.
“Building community is important to me because I want those around me to feel like they belong,” he says. “We’re each still a puzzle piece that creates a grander picture.”
Vreeman has served with the Maple Grove Community Organization since 2010 and led the group as president from 2020 through 2025. He has also coached youth basketball and volunteers regularly through his church, intentionally modeling service for his children.
The Work Behind a Community Celebration
Jason Pruhs, MGCO Committee Chair, sees community investment from the ground level of execution.
“I look at Maple Grove Days as a celebration of Maple Grove,” he says. “People may not know the hours that go into the events, but they know the fun they are having and the memories they are creating.”
Now in his 23rd year helping plan Maple Grove Days, Pruhs works year-round coordinating events including the Maple Grove Days Parade, the Halloween event at Weaver Lake Park, and Breakfast with Santa.
His perspective highlights a reality many residents don’t see: volunteer energy powers the events, but community sponsorship makes them possible.
“Events like Maple Grove Days are not cheap,” Pruhs notes. “We really do rely on the support of local businesses to put on the events around the city.”
The Organizations Behind the Impact
Volunteer-driven groups continue to anchor Maple Grove’s community spirit. The Maple Grove Community Organization produces Maple Grove Days. The Maple Grove Lions provide hands-on service and fundraising for local needs and youth programs. The Rotary Club of Maple Grove supports food security and community initiatives. Maple Grove Giving Connection ensures donated goods reach local families who need them most.
In Maple Grove, investment isn’t just about dollars.
It’s about neighbors choosing, year after year, to build something meaningful together.
“The ripple effect of kindness travels quickly throughout our neighborhoods when we invest our time and energy into lifting those around us.” — Jamie Rae Miller
“People may not know the hours that go into the events, but they know the fun they are having and the memories they are creating.” — Jason Pruhs