Honoring Charlie: Jeff Boike Recognized as 2025 Changemaker

We've talked alot recently about the creation of Charlie's Corner, which is just about complete for people all over central Minnesota to enjoy.

Now we have more to celebrate through watching the creation of Charlie's Corner. Charlie Boike's father, Jeff Boike, has been recognized as this year's 2025 Changemaker, and we couldn't be more excited about it.

Photo by John Uran/TSM

THE CHANGEMAKER PROGRAM

St Cloud Financial Credit Union has been recognizing the good in our community. SCFCU President and CEO Jed Meyer said, "Changemakers is a celebration of all that is right in our surrounding communities, and this program helps us find the hidden gems and accelerate that goodness."

There were three finalists in this year's program—Adrian Washington of St. Cloud, Julie Leikvoll of Little Falls, and Jeff Boike from St. Augusta.

Get our free mobile app

TROPHIES AND CASH PRIZES

The Changemakers ceremony took place at the Riverside Terrace in Sauk Rapids on Tuesday, August 26th. Jeff was awarded a trophy and a $3,000 cash prize for his hard work in giving back to the community. The other finalists were each given a trophy as well as a $1,000 cash prize for their commitment to community giving.

FAMILY TRAGEDY TURNED INTO COMMUNITY SERVICE

Jeff Boike and his wife Erika, along with their kids, suffered a terrible loss when their son Charlie was killed in a one-car accident when he was just 17 years old. The Boike Family, even through their incredible heartbreak, chose to honor their son by bringing his dreams to life, by creating Skate Free Charlie to raise money to give to students for scholarships. Now their new facility, called Charlie's Corner Community Sports Court, is near completion and will be an adaptable pickleball court, so those with disabilities as well as others can enjoy the use of the space, a hockey target shooting area, and a wall ball area for La Crosse players.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOIKE FAMILY

We want to congratulate Jeff and the whole Boike family, as they all work together to make good things happen here at home, and I know that Charlie is looking down on his family with a big smile on his face.

Jeff Boike said, "It's a big honor. The stuff that I do, it's the community that gives me the opportunity to do it...It's the community having trust in me to use their funds or good will to give back."

Beautiful Photos From Clemens Gardens

This weekend was a great one to get out and do something fun. I wanted to destress, so I drove over to Clemens Gardens for a nice stroll through the gardens. What a beautiful place it is. There are flowers everywhere, as well as fountains and statues. These photos only capture part of what's available to see, but in case you haven't had a chance to visit, now is a great time to view them, as everything is in full bloom. Take a look at some beautiful photos and then make a plan to take your own trip. All of your senses will thank you.

Gallery Credit: Photos by Kelly Cordes