Community

Minnesota United and Allina Health recognize the significance of active community involvement. We commend the participants and volunteers that dedicate their time, talents, and compassion to the hundreds of programs that help support our community. That's why, at every home game, we spotlight a community member for their exceptional contributions. Watch the pre-game video board to see who's being honored for making our shared community a better place to live and flourish.

Past Award Recipients

Kenzie Shannon

Kenzie is a Project Manager with the Enterprise Reporting and Analytics department at Allina, and is also a member of Allina Women Empowered – one of six Allina Employee Resource Groups that help foster an inclusive workplace. As a Program Lead for Allina Women Empowered, Kenzie helps coordinate quarterly meetings, volunteer events, and has also started a mentorship program to help connect Allina with other women leaders for mentorship. Kenzie’s favorite parts of volunteering are the positivity it brings, meeting new people, and the sense of community it provides.

Date Honored: March 22, 2025

Jaeden Danko

In addition to his role as a Seasonal Site Coordinator for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program, Jaeden has been an active volunteer with Courage Kenny for more than 2 years in a variety of programs including rock-climbing, cross-country skiing, cycling and the power soccer team. Jaeden’s favorite part about volunteering is working with adaptive athletes on both the mental and physical aspects of goal setting and helping them to accomplish their goals.

Date Honored: March 1, 2025

Madeline Heffernan

In addition to her role as a registered nurse at United Hospital on the cardiac telemetry unit, Madeline takes advantage of volunteer opportunities available through Allina, including providing fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers to the community. Her favorite thing about volunteering is how it allows her to form a deeper connection with her community while also addressing health disparities.

Date Honored: October 19, 2024

Mercedes Jamie

As Manager of Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, Mercedes is helping to transform Allina’s supply chain by connecting with diverse suppliers, women, minority, veteran, disabled & LGBTQ+ owned businesses. In addition to her role, Mercedes is also a member of multiple Employee Resource Groups, which help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace at Allina. Through volunteering opportunities with the ERGs, Mercedes believes she can grow and help others by sharing her time, talent and treasures.

Date Honored: September 28, 2024

Mary Jo Gapinski

Mary Jo volunteers as a Guest Service Greeter at Allina’s Buffalo Hospital, serving as a welcoming presence to new parents and visitors in the Birth Center. She also helps keep the Medical/Surgical area organized by assembling discharge packages. Mary Jo’s profound love for children fuels her commitment to volunteering, which is more than just an activity for her – she believes it’s a source of purpose and an opportunity to form meaningful social connections with her community.

Date Honored: September 18, 2024

Bryton McMahon

As a member of the MNUFC Power Soccer Team since 2018, Bryton has been a passionate champion for power soccer and the opportunities it provides adaptive athletes to compete and demonstrate their skill. Bryton’s favorite part about being a member of the MNUFC Power Soccer team is the relationships he’s developed with his teammates.

Date Honored: August 24, 2024