Hammer’s Legacy Societies were established to honor our most generous donors. Each society, described below, was named after significant people in Hammer’s history

Alvina Hammer Heritage Society

Members have named Hammer as a beneficiary in a will, life insurance policy, charitable trust, or other planned gift vehicle.

Miss Hammer believed that individuals with developmental disabilities had the right to lead full lives in a loving atmosphere where they would feel secure and develop self-confidence

Evelyn Carlson Society

Members have contributed more than $1,000,000

In 1932, Evelyn Carlson joined Hammer and was the Administrator from 1947 until 1974. She was co-founder of what was known as Arc Hennepin-Carver, and the Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota (ARRM).

Reuben Lindh Society

Members have contributed between $750,000 and $999,999.

In the 1930s, Reuben Lindh searched for a school that would accept his brother-in-law, Ralph Rosenvold. Mr. Lindh's belief that people with disabilities should be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding was mirrored at Hammer, and a lifelong association began.

Bill McGlinch Society

Members have contributed between $250,000 and $499,999.

Bill McGlinch came to Hammer in 1928 when he was only eight years old and stayed until his death in 1978. A quiet young man with natural talent, Bill loved to express himself through his Picasso-like drawings and weaving items like the placemats used by the children at Hammer.

Jenny Malmgren Society

Members have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999.

An immigrant from Norway, Jenny Malmgren served as a housemother at Hammer from 1929 until her retirement in 1972. According to Evelyn Carlson, "There were very few individuals who were as dedicated and trustworthy as Mrs. Malmgren."

Josephine Robinson Society

Members have contributed between $50,000 and $99,999.

Josephine Robinson co-founded the Hammer-Robinson School with her friend, Alvina Hammer. They rented a home near Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis in 1923, hired a teacher and began caring for and teaching four children with special needs.

Mildred Thomson Society

Members have contributed between $25,000 and $49,999.

As director of guardianship for the state, Mildred Thomson played a key role in improving conditions and care for people with developmental disabilities from 1924 to 1959. Miss Thomson joined Evelyn Carlson and Reuben Lindh in developing a national association for parents of children with developmental disabilities, now known as Arc.

New Hall of Fame Volunteers in 2008

• Yvonne Bryans
• Claire Hinrichs
• Greg Rye

Community Partner Award Recipients for 2008

• Lisa Anderson
• Nancy and John Berg
• The Flannery Family
• The Sabin Family
• The Redepenning Family
• The Moen Family
• The Tschetter Family