The Minnesota Community Foundation, along with a number of partners, introduced a new project this year called the Minnesota Idea Open in order to urge Minnesotans to think deeply about solutions to societal problems. This year’s challenge involved asking Minnesotans to submit ideas for fighting obesity. We submitted The Soul Patch concept – a community garden to benefit the Food Shelf – to the MN Idea Open with the thought that it could be expanded statewide.
We’ve received word that of the over 400 entries submitted to the Idea Open, The Soul Patch concept was chosen as one of 21 semi-finalists. (Woot! Woot!) Here’s the full list of semi-finalists. Here’s The Soul Patch entry.
The next step in the MN Idea Open process is to choose a winner among these finalists. That’s where you can help. On May 4, 2010, Minnesotans will be able to vote online for their favorite idea among the 21 semi-finalists. (Guess what we’re going to ask you to vote for?) The ultimate winner of the MN Idea Open will win $15,000 in order to realize the winning idea.
We’re absolutely thrilled that The Soul Patch concept was chosen as a semi-finalist. Thanks to the MN Idea Open judges for their support.
[Addendum - April 21, 2010: Just got word that we have misinterpreted the process for the Minnesota Idea Open. We were so excited about being selected as a semi-finalist that we kinda forgot what the "semi" part of semi-finalist means. 
As we have been informed, here is how the process will work from this point on....the field of 21 semi-finalists will be narrowed down to 3 finalists this week. The names of the three finalists will be released this Friday (4/23) and voting for one of those three finalists will begin on May 4th.]
Wish us luck!!!
