Ken and Sally Mogren recipients of Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute

“Sally and Ken have quietly and humbly improved the lives of Winonans for nearly fifty years…their fingerprints have undeniably been left on Winona’s healthcare, education, business, athletics and philanthropy,” wrote Paul and Jan Brosnahan in their nomination of Ken and Sally Mogren for the Winona Health Foundation Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute.

‌The Mogrens received the Community Service Tribute at a dinner held in their honor at Cedar Valley Golf Course on Thursday, May 9.

‌The Ben and Adith Miller Community Service Tribute is presented by Hugh Miller and RTP Company annually, through the Winona Health Foundation, to recognize a community member(s) for their exceptional generosity of time, talent, spirit or charitable gifts.

‌During the evening’s remarks, Paul Brosnahan shared that the Mogrens’ contributions are “inspiring.” He said, “When they see a need, they figure out how to fix it and then they fix it. That’s Ken and Sally.”

‌Greg Evans, President and CEO of Merchants Bank, a past Community Service Tribute honoree and long-time friend of the Mogrens, said, “When it comes to stepping up and representing their love of Winona, I’m not sure that either Ken or Sally has ever said ‘no.’”

‌Evans outlined the Mogrens’ commitment to Winona, from their impact on education and athletics to involvement in organizations such as Winona State University, The Winona Family Y and Winona Health. He said, “Between the two of them, Ken and Sally have left lasting impressions on more than 30 organizations and institutions in this community.”

‌In accepting the honor, Sally entertained attendees with the story of how, as a freshman attending Winona State University, she first spotted Ken and decided he was the man she would marry. Now, six years of dating and 48 years of marriage later, she said, “I’m so proud of him.” She briefly introduced their family, and it was obvious how much joy she receives from them. The Mogrens have three sons and, in a conversation prior to the event, she and Ken shared their priority during their parenting years of instilling good values so their children would become good citizens.

‌Ken followed, thanking the Miller family and others who shared remarks during the evening for their kind words. He said it was important to both of them to give back to a community that’s been so good to them, and he shared his firm belief in Walt Whitman’s quote: “The gift is to the giver, and comes back most to him.” Ken said, “You always seem to get back more than you put in. There is that good feeling you get when you do things that might make life a little better for other people. It’s addictive.”

‌Hugh Miller, Ben and Adith Miller’s son and RTP President and CEO, presented the award. This is the Tribute’s 36th year.

‌The family of Hugh and the late Vera Miller and RTP Company generously gave $25,000 to the Winona Health Foundation Ben and Adith Miller Patient Care Fund in the Morgens’ honor.

In Fiscal Year 2023, 364 grateful people received $564,791 in financial assistance from the fund. Since its inception in 1986, the Ben and Adith Miller Patient Care Fund has helped 8,171 individuals pay more than $15.75 million in medical costs.

Along with the Miller family and RTP’s gifts through the years, ongoing community generosity also makes this fund possible.

‌Those who would like to make a gift to the Winona Health Foundation in honor of Ken and Sally Mogren, may direct their gift to the Winona Health Foundation by mail: 855 Mankato Ave., Winona, MN 55987, or online: Winona Health Foundation.

‌Those who have questions about the Winona Health Foundation may call 507.494.7384 or send a message via email to foundation@winonahealth.org.