Joyce and Dick McFarland Honored with 2018 Mary Lee Dayton Catalyst for Change Award

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota has named Joyce and Dick McFarland as recipients of the 2018 Mary Lee Dayton Catalyst for Change award. The McFarlands were presented with the award at the annual Leadership & Legacy Circle for Women and Girls Luncheon that honors leadership donors on October 3.

Established in 2009 in honor of its namesake, Mary Lee Dayton, the Foundation presents the award annually to elevate and recognize philanthropists who use their resources and leadership to advance gender equity in Minnesota.

Joyce and Dick McFarland are philanthropy and community leaders who have demonstrated their long-term commitment to creating a Minnesota that ensures safety and equal opportunity for all girls and women. They have been dedicated donor-partners to the Women’s Foundation, transformational leaders in the MN Girls are Not For Sale campaign, and inspirational allies who encouraged others to commit to advancing gender equity.

In accepting the award, Joyce and Dick McFarland shared their gratitude and continued belief in responding to “women’s insights, women’s opportunities, and women’s struggles.” Joyce read “The Summer Day,” a poem by Mary Oliver, which asks, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Leadership From the Heart

In three decades of service, the McFarlands have been incredible advocates for women and girls, and the Women’s Foundation is grateful for their early leadership to build the MN Girls Are Not For Sale campaign, making one of the first MN Girls gifts in 2010, and strengthening the campaign for success in its second phase. They have led not only with their philanthropy, but also with their leadership, strategic thinking, encouragement of others, and their enthusiasm to ensure girls and women have equal opportunity to succeed in life.

“Joyce and Dick McFarland’s leadership helped the Women’s Foundation create a comprehensive statewide approach to end child sex trafficking. I can imagine no better legacy.” – Lee Roper-Batker, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

The McFarlands have chaired numerous campaigns for local nonprofits, leading by example and encouraging others to invest in the work that makes our state stronger. The Women’s Foundation is not alone in our gratitude for their involvement and impact in our communities. The McFarlands were honored as Outstanding Individual Philanthropists in 2017 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In their public service, volunteering, spiritual guidance, and family life, Joyce and Dick McFarland live out their values as they invest in community-led solutions.

As CEO of Dain Rauscher RBC and former Chairman of the Board, Dick McFarland was a strong advocate of philanthropy’s role in community and he has continued to be a leader and mentor long after his retirement. With a master’s degree in theology, Joyce has led in spiritual work, including as a board member of the Collegeville Ecumenical Institute, co-founder of the Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville, and in Parker Palmer’s Courage & Renewal Program to invest in educators and leadership.

In honoring the McFarlands with the award, CEO Lee Roper-Batker noted that in the early days of MN Girls Are Not For Sale, her biggest job was keeping up with Joyce as she transformed the Minnetonka public school curriculum to include sex trafficking awareness.

The Women’s Foundation is greater because of the philanthropy, strategic leadership, and generosity of Joyce and Dick McFarland. They lead with their actions and influence, and they exemplify the spirit of the Catalyst for Change Award in their vision and commitment to build a better future for all Minnesotans.

The Women’s Foundation’s future is strong because of every donor, advocate, trustee, staff member, and partner who shares our vision for a world in which all women and girls can experience economic opportunity, safety, and leadership. We are grateful for Joyce and Dick McFarland’s leadership as a Catalyst for Change and honor their commitment to women and girls in Minnesota with this award.