Mary Ann Larsen was the founder and coordinator of We Care from 1960 until 2013, passing away in 2014. In 2013 her son, Joe Larsen, took over for his mother and continued to help many local people. Joe was very active in the community, always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. His years of service and work with the area communities will be missed. Joe passed away September 28, 2020 while hunting with his family. Jessica Guetter, one of Mary’s granddaughters will be carrying on the family legacy and coordinating the We Care Food Shelf. Jessica has been on the We Care board since 2017, helped at the We Care regularly, so she has a good feel for what needs to happen to be able to continue to help people. Mary Ann and We Care Project have been the recipient of various awards including
- Southwest Initiative Fund 1993
- WCCO Radio Good Neighbor award 1994
- KLGR Radio Hometown Hero award
- St. Michael’s Catholic Aid award
- Channel 5 On the Road Again with Jason Davis 1995
- Metrodome Kirby Puckett 1996
- The Governor’s Acts of Kindness award 1996
- College of St. Theresa Alumnae Recognition 1997
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Ageless Hero award 2001
- KEYC Television Jefferson Award 2002
- Minnesota Second Harvest Hunger for Hope award 2002
- Outstanding Senior Citizen of Redwood County 2003
- Catholic Extension Lumen Christi award 2003
- Minnesota Volvo For Life award 2004
- Faith Works Across the USA 2005
- Southwest Initiative 20th Year Anniversary award 2006
- Bishops Diocesan Distinguished Service award 2006