Andersons awarded for community service

A Frazee family was honored during the 23rd Annual Celebration of Heroes banquet hosted by the United Way of Becker County at the Historic Holmes Theater on Thursday, April 24, in Detroit Lakes.

Erik and Elise Anderson, along with their children: Thomas, Nora, Rosie, Samuel, Kate, Michael and Benny, were given the Community Spirit Award for their significant contributions in the community. 

Typically, the individual community spirit award goes to a single person, but the Andersons were honored as a family unit after being nominated and introduced at the ceremony by Nicky Courneya.

“They act out of pure kindness, stepping up without being prompted,” Courneya said. “Whenever they notice a need, they are always ready to jump in and offer their support. Their positive influence is far reaching and helps promote a positive culture in Frazee.”

In the 23 years the Community Spirit awards has been awarded, only two other families have received it: Glenn and Debbie Disse of Detroit Lakes in 2015 and the Tabiatha and Dylan Branden family of Frazee last year.

“When this family sees a need in the community, they take care of it,” Courneya continued. “These include the whole family mowing, trimming, weeding and sweeping the side hill of the high school.

“They can be found helping take care of the Frazee troll. The children can be seen cleaning the Main Street of Frazee prior to Turkey Days. This family organizes family-friendly events for the community of Frazee. This includes a bonfire night and occasional events after home football games. These activities were free for anyone and everyone to attend. They do not seek funding or recognition. They simply rise to the occasion whenever they see a need,” said Courneya.

Erik and Elise, 2005 graduates of Frazee-Vergas High School, moved back to Frazee five years ago and have made an impact in the community.

“We want to make this home,” Erik Anderson said. “So we’re trying to do that the best we can. Let’s just get involved in making the community a little bit better.”

Erik is the treasurer of Frazee Community Development Corporation and has been highly-involved in the formation of Wannigan Regional Park.

Courneya addressed the Anderson children, as well.

“Children are often reflections of their parents,” she said. “That is no different with this family. The children can be found handing out popsicles to football players after two a day football practices in the warm August heat. The children make posters and wear spirited outfits to cheer on the varsity Frazee teams, and you can find the family traveling to away games to support the Hornet teams. The children also serve at their church as altar servers and will cover for servers whenever needed.

“This family isn’t deserving of the Community Spirit Award for just one reason,” she continued. “It’s their generous attitude and commitment to improving Frazee for all its residents that truly sets them apart.”