Hello #MNMOtv followers! Today’s guest is @Vruno (Kristine Vruno Huson), and we don’t want to keep her waiting, so lets start!

Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up, go to school and what did you want to be when you grew up?

Kristine:    Grew up in S. St. Paul, (Go Packers). Wanted 2B marine biologist to dive w/great white sharks; still want to do that

So would you say you’re an adventurer, you like to face danger or that you like challenges?

Kristine:    Not an adrenaline junkie, but have done some brave things, I suppose. Being “arctic warrior” in Army in Alaska, might qualify

I suppose having some courage in my blood helps me when I meet kids who are dying of cancer & their parents

I would also say that I love challenges – hoping to help docs cure cancer, or make progress on that monster problem, is one

Lets talk about the work that you do. How did you get involved with being a fundraiser for children with cancer?

Kristine:    Childhood cancer research was my women’s fraternity’s chosen cause so I fundraised while in college at University of North Dakota

So I have always admired @childrenscancer, so pursued a position here & am very impressed by the work of this organization

Children’s Cancer Research Fund provides $millions in seed grants for innovative “proof of principal” studies

What are some of the ways that you and @childrenscancer are able to get contributions to help with valuable research.

Kristine:    This proof of principal research oft attracts other funding from NIH, NCI & other nonprofits. Our ROI is $1 we give turns into $18

Our researcher turned our $10K seed grant into $3.5M in NIH funding. Our $100K grant for brain tumor research got $3.9M That’s ROI!

Besides seed grants we fill in gaps of funding for capital expenditures, underwrite quality-of-life programs @UofMChildrens..

We fund SIX endowed chairs at U of MN – that’s the most by any philanthropic organization giving to the U! We are very vital to U.

Raising money for this is great, but it sounds like you’ve been able to interact with some who’ve been helped too right?

Kristine:    Indeed, it’s sharing stories of kids affected by our research, the young patients & their families, that is my most important role.

I sat in hospital, w/young man who battling neuroblastoma for 3rd time while he had is final, last ditch, stem cell rescue

This kid died, & can’t bring myself 2 delete emails he send 2 me along the way. His mom & I still correspond. In his memory I work!

I take it personally when we lose a child we’ve worked with. #Cancer is the devil & I’ll fight it as long as I have fight in me

Wow! You are obviously very passionate about your work! :) In addition to your work, any other passions that you have?

Kristine:    I consider myself an “art patron” & my art of choice is local, indie music. I also try to invest in visual artists too when I can

Rocking out at a gig helps me blow of steam from my sometimes emotionally taxing vocation

We have an embarrassment of riches of art in the Twin Cities, we are so lucky! Get out there & be an art patron & support the arts!

I also have a 14 yo son who keeps me on my toes.

Would you also say that you’re a fashionista as well? What kinds of things are you drawn to?

Kristine:    I would be in denial if I didn’t say that I love my vintage dresses & coats. It’s my contribution to keeping the planet greener

If you haven’t been to Lula in St. Paul & met Hayley Bush, you’re missing out. She is clothing whisperer! Beautiful vintage there!

To close, do you have any favorite eateries or shops that you like frequent locally that you care to share?

Kristine:    Love chef-driven indie restaurants serving local fare. Adore Moscow on the Hill, WA Frosts, Saffron. Lula, Blacklist 4 Vintage

I love getting lost at the Goodwill & Savers. Find lots of designer treasures there. Found a suede Celine coat for $6!

Joel Carlson:    Thank you VERY MUCH for all that you do to help people with cancer! Thanks also for being a #MNMOtv guest today. Good work! :)

Kristine:    Thank you 4 opportunity @joelecarlson & @MNMOmag! Our cause @childrenscancer always needs help. Check us out: http://ow.ly/a4V6g!

Good Wednesday morning everyone! Time for this weeks @MNMOmag Twitterview with our guest, @AndreaKopfmann. Lets begin.

Andrea:    Thanks for having me, Joel!

To start off with, can you share a little bit about yourself? Like where you grew up and went to college.

Andrea:    I grew up in a very small town in SD called Alpena. I went to college in Marshall at Southwest State.

What did you major in at Southwest State? Did you intern anywhere after college?

Andrea:    I majored in Communications – Radio/TV/Theatre. Loved every minute of it! I was going to be the ESPN girl. Ha!

Graduated in 2007. Interned @1013KDWB that summer then @nemerfieger from Sept-Oct. Then went right to @WalserAutoGroup

Lets leap ahead to your role as the Director of the Walser Foundation. What about the role appealed to you?

Andrea:    So much! First, the organization and the people. It was a brand new position so I’ve been able to pave my own path.

It was a whole new challenge for me. I’ve never been involved with something like this. It’s been exciting since day 1

That’s great! Explain for people, what the Walser Foundation actually is and how it works? When did it get started?

Andrea:    5% of pre-tax profits from @WalserAutoGroup go to the Walser Foundation. We work with fantastic non-profit partners

Walser has been in business for 50+ yrs. At one time, the Foundation operated under a different name

The mission has stayed the same. Supporting women, children and families here in the Twin Cities

So buying a car from the @WalserAutoGroup helps the driver and the public! :) What groups do you work with?

Andrea:    Yes! And anytime you service your vehicle or purchase parts from us!

We work w/ @OpenArmsMN @bolderoptions @UpperMidwestMS @starkeyhearing @mnaidsproject Teen Challenge @childrensMN

SAVE, @2harvest @diabetesMN, Fraser, Amplatz Children’s Hospital and more. Check us out here:

So MANY people benefit from your work at the Walser Foundation! How does that make you feel personally?

Andrea:    Pretty proud of the company I work for. I’m just lucky to be apart of it. How does it make you feel, Joel?

Helping people is always a good thing. I’m guessing you attend a number of events. What were some of them from 2011?

Andrea:    Ready for a big list?

Many events w/ @StPaulSaints. @OpenArmsMN Moveable Feast & Butterball. Many events w/ @UpperMidwestMS & @diabetesMN

The @CharlieAwardsTC @IveyAwards Glamorama for @childrenscancer Teen Challenge Gala, Basilica Block Party & many more.

Lets shift back to you briefly. You’re a local foodie. What have been some of your favorite places to eat at lately?

Andrea:    I frequent Eli’s constantly. 112 is always amazing. @SaffronMpls is brilliant. I have a fantastic time @TravailKitchen

Restaurant Alma and La Belle Vie are my celebration spots

And this time of year, I love the ramen @Masu_NE. I can’t get enough of it. It’s like crack.

Joel:    Super. Well thank you for being a part of #MNMOtv today and sharing some of your story! Have a great week Andrea.

Andrea:    Thanks for having me, Joel! I had fun.