When we agreed to trade the 1972 Gran Torino for “The Big” Wedding Package, we knew it would be our biggest gamble yet… a go-for-broke trade that would risk it all and leave us with nothing but faith that something great would happen. That something happened today… We are excited to announce Trade #19 of The “Big” Wedding Package to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a full season Executive Suite & LifeTime Fitness package valued just shy of $100,000!



This incredible win for the Big Trade Up was nothing short of a buzzer beater victory. With our season on the line, we had growing concern that this amazing $53,000 dream wedding package had simply become TOO BIG for the average newly engaged couple. As our hope faded with this staggering dilemma… a new idea brought life! What if we approached the Minnesota Timberwolves? With the NBA season just weeks away, what could it hurt…. maybe they would considering giving away the wedding package sometime during the season? We contacted Timberwolves Community Relations Manager, Sarah Haugen, and Director of Premium Seating, Britt Carlson, and they loved hearing about the Big Trade Up! Following a meeting full of exciting ideas, we had the thrill of meeting star-forward #42 Kevin Love (6’ 10”, 250 lbs) who on behalf of the Timberwolves made us this jaw-dropping offer…

The Minnesota Timberwolves package includes Executive Suite #45 and 22 complimentary tickets to all 43 Minnesota Timberwolves games and all 17 Minnesota Lynx games during the 2010/2011 season. In addition to the entire season in this newly renovated suite, the package includes 12 family memberships to LifeTime Fitness. Other perks of the package include a one-time VIP pre-game bench seat or post-game meet & greet with members of the team as well as priority invitations to Premium Seating events throughout the year. This incredible package is valued just shy of $100,000, which is a especially humbling considering our start with a #2 pencil.

With preseason underway, excitement is building for the October 27th Timberwolves season tip-off! We are thrilled to have the Wolves’ generous support of the Big Trade Up and Mind The Future. Their ongoing commitment to countless charities throughout the Twin Cities is both admirable and greatly appreciated. With that said, please join us in thanking the Timberwolves and the Lynx with your fan support!

If your company is a prospect for the Timberwolves season package, please let us know. Either way, stay tuned as the Timberwolves will be announcing their plans for The “Big” Wedding Package soon!

When Jerry Kane learned about the Big Trade Up on KARE-11, his wheels started to turn… Jerry, his wife Brandy and mother Janet own Kane’s Catering, one of the most highly awarded catering companies in the Twin Cities, serving amazing food since 1972. In addition to being a renown chef, Jerry is also a classic car guy that loves to support charitable efforts so he was definitely inspired. His thought… how about an offer that would greatly increase the value of the Big Trade Up, help promote his growing business and put him behind the wheel of a sweet classic car. Following the Extra we received several offers for the Torino but Jerry’s was it… “The Big” Wedding Package! Jerry stole the show with a fully catered/served wedding package for 250 guests that allows a bride to select from a wide range of reception halls, foods, wedding cakes, china, decorations and more. This top-of-the-line wedding package is truly a bride’s dream and potentially our most unique trade yet.

So today Jerry drove away in our treasured Gran Torino. While it took up space in our garages and occasionally required that we drive it, it was satisfying work getting behind that 429. So we jump from our most macho trade yet to an immaculate wedding package that is destined to make one lucky bride’s special day entirely unique and unforgettable.. “The Big” Wedding Package includes Kane Catering’s Ultimate Food Package, a $60 per plate package that offers the widest variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Jerry will personally prepare the food and has promised that this will be the best he can deliver. Jerry’s contribution also includes allowances that give the bride complete flexibility to select from the best local venues, wedding cake designers, ect. But that is JUST THE BEGINNING!

When we agreed to the trade with Jerry Kane on Friday, we had no idea what would happen next. Within 3 days of announcing the package to the wedding vendor community, we had over 30 businesses offering to donate their products and services. The value of the package more than doubled in less than a week! We had no idea how “Big” this package would become…

CHECK OUT the wedding package, now valued at $53,789

A huge thanks goes out to Jerry Kane and Kane’s Catering for their generous trade and a special thanks goes out to all the vendors that are making this possible. Lastly, you’re saying… How could two guys come up with such a cool wedding package, there must be some girls involved? You’re right! Ton of credit goes to Kate Braschayko, Kathryn Short and Becca Burns and of course my own lovely wife Jennifer DelDotto for all the help pulling this together. Now think… do you know someone that just got engaged?

A big thanks goes out to Joe Fryer and KARE-11 for recently covering the Big Trade Up. The response was amazing and we are excited to report that trade #18 will be announced late next week. If you missed the KARE-11 Extra, you can watch it online. Stay tuned…

Tom Schmitke of Fairbault always knew he would one day be inspired to part with his treasured 1972 Ford Gran Torino… When the time was right he would know and a charity would be the beneficiary. After 20 years of great memories, yesterday was that day. In an act of pure generosity, Tom Schmitke learned of the Big Trade Up and contacted us to offer this amazing car, an absolute classic. As we waited to meet Tom for the trade and he rolled up in the blue Torino, our jaws dropped. It was like a flashback in time as this legendary car slowly came to a stop and remained thundering at idle before us. We couldn’t believe it! One might say we were dazed and confused…

A 1972 Gran Torino Sport with a 429 Cobra Jet engine in excellent condition, purring loudly before us… The same make, model and year of the Gran Torino featured in the recent Clint Eastwood movie with many more upgrades. The new custom-built 500 horse engine is broken in with 600 miles on it. Here’s the lingo from Tom…. The car is blueprinted and balanced, has a high rise intake manifold with a Edelbrock high performance 4 bbl carburetor, Hooker headers, 3” custom exhaust from headers to 2.5” rear tail pipes, Electric summit high performance fuel pump and fuel regulator with gauge, Detroit locker in the 9 inch rear with Summit custom-made racing axles because the horsepower would have otherwise twisted the splines off the factory axles, 76,000 original miles on the body, redone with metal patches and new sheet metal, not a bondo queen, a custom lacquer paint job, Ultra Mag wheels with all new rubber, 50 series Mickey Thompsons on the rear and new Goodyear 60’s on the front, interior black like factory new with custom auto meter gauges and tach, Hurst ratchet shifter on the floor that shifts the custom built auto transmission from jasper transmissions. One thing is for sure…. Tom knows this machine inside and out. It is truly a beautiful car without rust and in excellent condition.

As Tom showed us his Gran Torino, you could see and hear his years of passion for the car. He had put so much into it, why would he part with it for this cause? We didn’t have to ask that question…. it was perfectly clear that Tom was doing it out of selfless generosity. He was not concerned about the motorcycle he would get in return, he only wanted to make sure we knew everything about the Torino. Tom recognized the significant market value of the car but as we talked… it was apparent he was giving us so much more than a set of keys, he was giving us a part of his life. The most wonderful thing about the Big Trade Up for us has been meeting people like Tom and being inspired by their hearts for other people. Thank you so much Tom for this amazing classic! It is a huge win for the Big Trade Up and thanks to you… we are another big leap ahead! We are determined to find a new owner that will care for and enjoy this car the way you did.

So attention all classic car lovers! Here is your chance to trade for this American classic while helping a great cause. If you are interested, let us know! Please keep in mind that we will consider trading for anything of increased value and don’t be quick to rule yourself out, get creative. We are open to items, experiences, services, you name it. Either way, if you want to help keep the Big Trade Up going, please let us know because it will only be successful with many people involved. This trade brings big momentum but we still have a very long way to go!

MORE PHOTOS OF THE CAR

Just when we thought this motorcycle couldn’t get any cooler…. We put an inquiry into custom bike painter Dave Winter of Minneapolis and he agreed to donate a custom paint job for the motorcycle and a matching custom painted mailbox to be included with this trade! Dave is an experienced painter that typically charges $1,000+ for a motorcycle of this size so we are very grateful for his generosity. In addition to painting motorcycles, Dave also paints snowmobiles, ATVs, etc… If you or anyone you know is looking for these services, please contact Dave. Thanks Dave!

It was like waiting for springtime in Minnesota… the bloom of Trade #16 was thrilling! Thanks to an extremely generous trade from Lee McNurlin and her husband Scott, we landed an impressive machine; 571 lbs of pure muscle… A 2002 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom motorcycle! Lee is an elementary school teacher in Cannon Falls who loves her bike but when she learned of the Big Trade Up was inspired to help.

This black beauty is the real deal. It is in excellent condition with only 17,000 miles and is ready to roll. It is equipped with saddle bags, windshield, a new battery, an oil change adapter kit and lots of chrome. The tires are in great shape and it runs perfectly. This comfortable low-rider is just right bike for trips to the North Shore, cruising around the Minnesota lakes or even taking you out to a Twins game at Target Field. Now is your chance to get the bike you’ve dreamed of and help a great cause! If your wheels are turning, just let us know. A huge thank you goes out to Scott and Lee McNurlin!

The McNurlin’s generosity is moving and if the trade was not enough, Lee gave a wonderful testimony…. “When I was contacted by Tony about the Big Trade Up, I did some research on www.mindthefuture.org. I was touched by what I read and saw. The video clip on the military officers receiving black lab puppies almost made me cry. I realized if I joined this effort and became a part of the Big Trade Up, it would bless more than just inner city kids who have the desire to go to college. (though that reason is enough) I realized I wanted to be a part of something that would spread blessings far and wide. I already feel very blessed by my decision to trade my motorcycle, and I hope and pray each person involved in any way with this organization will have a sense of peace and blessing for the part they have played in keeping the Big Trade Up going!”

In addition to announcing this wonderful trade, we would like to unfold a new way for you to get involved with the Big Trade Up. We’ve heard from many people that would love to help but considering the significant increase in value, are now less likely to trade an item worth thousands of dollars. So here’s the new way you can help. With each trade, we are now welcoming the donation of ancillary items that will help “sweeten the pot” and increase the value of the item up for trade. For example with the motorcycle, please consider offering contributions like a helmet, jacket or boots, etc… maybe we find an artist to custom paint the motorcycle as a donation to the cause. It could be anything of added-value. The contributions will increase our jumps in value and improve our overall chance of success. So if you have something of value that is collecting dust, let us know…

Only a couple hours after the President of the Minnesota Twins, David St. Peter agreed to the personal lunch and stadium tour for our last trade, my good friend Tony Winkler and I were having lunch and talking about The Last Ride Band. Their band is quickly gaining a following and without knowing about the new item up for trade, Tony started telling me about a new “Twins” song he had just finished writing with well-known singer/songwriter Reynold Philipsek. Tony has generously supported Mind The Future since 2004 and had already been interested in making a trade at some point so when I told him about the David St. Peter lunch, we were both surprised by the perfect opportunity for him to pitch the song. Knowing Tony, I knew this was going to be a big trade…

So Trade #15 is a big leap for the Big Trade Up. Tony agreed to trade a 4-night round-trip package to the CMA Country Music Festival (June 10-13th, 2010) in Nashville, TN. This $2,000+ package includes an airfare allowance for two, four nights lodging at the famous Opryland Hotel and two “floor seat” tickets to see Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and many more artists over the four big nights at LP Field. This “BIG TICKET” package is a country music fan’s dream as it also includes VIP access to daily concerts at Riverfront Park, a ticket to the Grand Ole Opry matinee, a ticket to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, a flatboat ride inside the Delta Atrium at the hotel, autograph opportunities, block parties, the list goes on and on… This four-day festival is possibly Nashville’s biggest event with over 400 country artists and celebrities attending.

In addition to this trade, Tony Winkler and The Last Ride Band put on a great show to a packed bar of Big Trade Up supporters at Dixie’s on Grand over the weekend. Thank you to everyone for coming out and thanks again to Tony Winkler for this exciting CMA Country Music Festival trade. Like all of our trades, we have absolutely no idea who will step up next. If you are interested in this amazing trip, please email us at mytrade@bigtradeup.com.

Join us this Saturday, April 3rd, 9:00 PM at Dixie’s on Grand in St. Paul where Tony Winkler and The Last Ride Band will be putting on a free benefit show to promote the Big Trade Up. In addition to enjoying some great country music, we will be announcing Trade #15.

We have been invited to promote the Big Trade Up and this event on KSTP channel 5 at 8:10 AM that morning (Sat, April 3rd), so be sure to tune in…

UPDATE: Watch Big Trade Up on KSTP Channel 5

Trade #14 and what happened today was nothing less than amazing. When we posted Puppy a week ago, my first call was to my friend Stacy Dvorak who is not only one of the most well connected hunters I know but she is also extremely charitable. When I emailed Stacy about Puppy, she immediately called and told me about a Pheasants Forever military appreciation event where she would be honoring 50 war veterans who love to hunt. She said “we have to find a way to give Puppy away to one of the vets!” I agreed it was a great idea but I also reminded her we would need something to trade. So here’s what happened…

Stacy got off the phone with me and send an email to the President of the Minnesota Twins, David St. Peter with the message “call me”. Within 10 minutes, she received a call from David and she pitched him on the idea of him trading a “personal lunch with him” and tour of Target Field to make it possible for the Puppy to be given away to a deserving war veteran. He loved the idea and agreed to help! We did too. So we gave Stacy the green light to help us find a deserving veteran that could provide the perfect home for Puppy. Stacy broadcast the puppy opportunity to the 50 veterans and received 5 heartfelt letters from veterans on why they would like to be considered. Stacy shared the letters with me and we couldn’t believe it. She personally interviewed each of them and we realized we had found 5 perfect homes for one pup. How could we ever choose just one? With less than a week to the big event, the idea of getting more puppies seemed farfetched but we also knew there was no way we could send the other 4 heroes home entirely empty-handed.

I couldn’t resist and made a call to local breeder Kruchek Retrievers. It was a long shot but I pitched the idea to owner J.J. Kruchek. To my amazement, I learned that J.J. is also a military veteran and happened to have 4 nine-week old black lab puppies left in his litter (almost spooky!). Like Puppy #1, these 4 come from field champion bloodlines and are highly valuable. J.J. was all over the idea of surprising the other 4 veterans and offered a significant discount to make it possible.

As we broke this news to many of you, the donations poured in. We received over $1,400 in 4 days and it set up one of the most remarkable surprises I’ve ever been a part of. Today in room full of 50+ war veterans along with friends, family we honored Colonel Dirk Kloss and his family with Puppy #1. Colonel Kloss just returned in February to his wife Morgan and 3 year old son Max after his 1 year deployment in Basra, Iraq. Colonel Kloss lost his 8 year-old lab just before their son was born and has looked forward to the day he would settle down with his family and a new puppy. Today was that day.

As the other 4 soldiers sat through the Thank you video, they were blind-sided when Chad, Frank, Stacy, J.J. and I rolled into the room today with 4 more puppies. It played out perfectly and reactions from everyone were overwhelming. Many tears as we saw the joy brought to these brave men that have sacrificed so much. It was a small gesture in light of what they have given to us but it was one I don’t think anyone in that room will ever forget.

Below is the video of Puppy #1 being awarded followed by the “Thank you” video and then the surprise…

WCCO channel 4 news covered the event and it will air on the 10:00 PM news tonight and likely again 10:00 AM tomorrow. There are endless people to thank for making this happen but especially Stacy Dvorak and David St. Peter who are at the top of the list. It is so interesting how 1 phone call can impact so many lives.

So now available for trade…. a personal lunch with the President of the Minnesota Twins, David St. Peter and a tour of Target Field. How timely with the season opener days away!

Announcing the youngest member of the Big Trade Up family and the most loveable trade #13 we could imagine…. Puppy. We were so fortunate to meet Justin Micek of Isanti, an avid hunter and single guy who had his life consumed when his AKC certified purebred champion labs decided to have 10 puppies. The good thing for Justin is that based on their bloodlines, they bring in $800-$1000 per dog. Justin quickly sold 7 of the 10 with very little marketing but being a single guy with a full-time job, two months of raising puppies can wear a guy down, especially when you’re as selective as Justin in choosing the owners for his dogs. Justin was excited to hear about the Big Trade Up and saw it as a great way to maximize exposure to find a perfect home for one of his little buddies. Not to mention with one less dog we get him one step close to the freedom he remembers.

So with much assurance that one of his favorite pups would be in good hands, we introduce you to Puppy. In addition to champion hunting bloodlines, this 61 day old (8 ½ weeks) male black lab would be the perfect family dog. He is fluffy like a little bear cub, extremely mellow with a gentle personality but don’t get me wrong… very playful too. He has all of his shots, dew claws and vet examination taken care of. We have all of AKC paperwork, vet exam info and registration that will make it easy for the new owner.

So where is Puppy you might ask? Much of the appeal to Justin was one less puppy in the Justin house, that means Puppy’s very temporary playpen has become the DelDotto house. While it is fun to have a little buddy for our own lab and kids to play with, dad has picked up many chores like cleaning accidents, unlocking the puppy jaws of life from screaming kids, picking up broken glass and of course trying to get Puppy to go to the bathroom outside in the middle of the night. So help us find this guy a perfect home where these puppy chores can be enjoyed as a long-term investment going towards the best pet you’ll ever own. Plus Puppy needs a name, we’re saving that for you!

If you are interested please send us your offer but more importantly tell us about the home he would be going to, do you own other pets, have you had pets in the past, ect. While I joke about the extra chores, there will be no rush to find Puppy a new home and we will be very selective to make sure he finds the perfect home with his rightful owner. Puppy comes with a new 24″ kennel, a 15 lb bag of food, his blaze orange collar and a toy to get you started!

Lift off for trade #12… Betsy Strachota of Shenehon Company was generous with an eleventh hour trade of a custom made gold cross necklace for the two hours of flight time. Betsy loves flying so much that at times she has considered getting her pilot’s license. She is a big supporter of the Big Trade Up and has been waiting for the right opportunity to make an offer. So when the private flight time came up, she jumped at the chance to support the cause and further explore her passion for flying.



Betsy thought hard about what to trade and came up with something all girls love – Jewelry. She had this amazing cross necklace hand crafted specifically for this trade. It is especially meaningful to her as the original design came from her loving father who has given all of his girls their own uniquely crafted cross. So we celebrate a cool family tradition, help fuel her passion for flying and knock down trade #12 of the Big Trade up.

Thanks to Betsy for this thoughtful trade!

We’re pleased to announce trade #11 took place today with former commercial-pilot turned commercial real estate broker Ronn Thomas. Ronn has over 21 years experience as a former commercial airline captain and remains an avid pilot and flight instructor. He loves to fly so it made perfect sense for him to offer 2 hours flight time for sightseeing within a 100 mile radius of the Twin Cities.

We agreed and thought what a cool opportunity that doesn’t come around every day. Not to mention, Ronn is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet! So here you go… You and another adult (possibly additional children) can map out a trip and pick a time to depart with Ronn from Crystal Airport in the Cessna 185 seen below. Ronn is also an experienced aerial photographer so bring your camera for a once in a lifetime chance to capture your home, office, or even wait for the leaves in the fall.

Not only does this give Ronn another excuse to fly, the trade wins him the signed Minnesota Gophers hockey jersey & stick. So here’s your chance to jump in and soar the skies. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to email your idea for the next trade to mytrade@bigtradeup.com. Thanks to Ronn and everyone for your ongoing support!

We were welcomed to Mariucci Arena today by the Minnesota Gophers hockey team for trade #10.  Our friend Josh Budish recently talked to his brother Zach Budish (6′ 3″, 220 lb, Forward, #24) about the Big Trade Up and together they came up with a great trade.  They invited us to swing by the Mariucci locker rooms following today’s practice and we were fortunate to have the entire team sign an authentic game jersey and throw in a game stick to support the cause!

                 Tony, Josh, Zach & Chad

So it was a great day for the Big Trade Up but was also a good win for Josh Budish who so generously put this together.  Josh is in commercial real estate development and leasing with Liberty Property Trust and has long wanted to take golf lessons.   With the snow melting and the season just around the corner, now he is set up with a pro to help him work on that swing.

So thanks to Josh Budish, Zach Budish and the entire Minnesota Gopher’s Hockey team for making such a cool trade!

Now’s your chance to jump in on the action!  If you have an idea for a trade, email us at mytrade@bigtradeup.com.

Today we visited golf pro Brian Geraty at The Golf Zone in Chaska to make trade #9 and of course hit a few balls on this beautiful 42˚ day. We traded the 6th row Minnesota Wild tickets to Brian for his 3-session Private Lesson Package at The Golf Zone that is guaranteed to improve even worst Minnesota golfer.

Brian turned professional in 2006 and has competed against many of the greatest golfers in the world. Brian began instructing after an PGA Apprenticeship with Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor, Rod Lidenberg, and has since enjoyed coaching everyone from juniors to amateurs and professionals. He offices out of The Golf Zone in Chaska which is a year-round facility with 40 heated driving ranges, a beautiful 18-hole indoor mini putt course and indoor/outdoor putting greens with a full bar to boot. You can learn more about The Golf Zone and this Private Lesson Package ($224.00 value) at www.briangeratygolf.com.

Minnesota golf in March

Spring is around the corner so now is the time to get ready for the golf season ahead. If you are interested in the Private Lesson Package, please email us at mytrade@bigtradeup.com. Thanks!

Last night we had a Big Trade Up team meeting at Hotel Minneapolis to celebrate our 8th trade with Nick Davis. Nick sells commercial insurance with the Hays Companies and while he is a huge fan of Minnesota Wild hockey and enjoys season tickets, he did not look the part of a true Wild fan…until last night that is.

Nick offered to give up a pair of his premium 6th row Minnesota Wild tickets and take a game off to support a great cause and gain the jersey. The tickets are for the Sunday, March 14th, 5:00 p.m. game against the St. Louis Blues and have a face value of $172 (section 102, row 6), so thanks Nick! We are really gaining momentum but we have a long way to go so please spread the word!

If you are interested in the tickets, please make an offer to mytrade@bigtradeup.com.

Thank you for all the thoughtful support!

It was hard to part with the brilliant painting, but we are pleased to announce it was traded to Tom Sampair for an authentic Mikko Koivu #9 Minnesota Wild jersey (XL). For our non-hockey fans, Mikko Koivu is the team Captain of the Minnesota Wild NHL hockey team and this jersey is the real deal.

Last year Tom won the jersey so it had been tucked away in his desk for several months, good as new but more importantly, up to no good. So when Tom and I were talking about our last trade, he had a chance to check out the painting and immediately thought his wife would love it. Being the good husband he is, he thought…. what do I have that I really don’t need — “how about this jersey?”

Now Tom not only has a happy wife but he freed up some space in his office drawer. Not to mention, he joined a great cause and helped move the Big Trade Up one step closer to the goal. So thanks to Tom for the trade and better yet, for just being a good guy. Make an offer for the jersey!

The 6th trade of the Big Trade Up is official and it was made with sisters Katie and Amie Kieffer who traded an original painting that was painted this week by Amie specifically to offer as a trade to support the Big Trade Up. Katie and Amie are business partners and the beautiful canvas painting of a soaring eagle reflects their strong passion for patriotism and conservative commentary on public policy. They also have a big heart for community service and thought this would be a fun way to show their support.

Most importantly though, they both love to golf! So their trade for the $50 gift certificate to Crystal Lake Golf Club came with perfect timing for them to jump in on the Big Trade Up.

A big thanks goes out to Katie and Amie for their thoughtful support of Mind The Future. They are really wonderful people. If you are into conservative politics, you definitely need to check out Katie’s widely popular blog: www.katiekieffer.com

If you have an item that you want to offer for the painting, please email us at mytrade@bigtradeup.com. Thanks!

The much anticipated trade #5 is final as the Café Latte cake came up for trade with perfect timing for Lonnie Provencher. Lonnie and his wife Katie had their baby Claire a little more than a month ago and they were about to buy a cake for her Baptism party when we posted the last trade.

Thinking about what he could trade for the cake, Lonnie remembered the $50 gift card to Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville that had been sitting in his desk for over 2 years now. Lonnie officially gave up golf last year so it was a no brainer for him and another win for the Big Trade Up. We dusted off the card and confirmed that it is still good as cash towards greens fees or merchandise in the pro shop.

It was great getting together with Lonnie, Katie, Jonah and Claire for the trade and it’s nice knowing the cake will be enjoyed on her special day. If you are interested in making a trade, send your offer to mytrade@bigtradeup.com. Thanks!

A big thanks goes out to Darren Gray and KMOJ 89.9 FM “The People’s Station” for having us on the morning show today! Earlier this week I told Darren about the Big Trade Up in passing and he immediately asked if we would come on air. It was a cool experience to see live radio in action, man he is smooth… Darren plugged the Big Trade Up several times throughout the morning show and the interview gave tremendous exposure to the cause.

Audio file of the show – coming soon…

Thanks again to KMOJ and Darren Gray.

Thank you again for all the support. We are truly thankful and excited by all the interest in and support for Trade #4. We also now have 285 members in our Facebook group moving steadily toward our goal of 500 by February 25th.

This most recent trade comes from Bryce Quinn of Café Latte in Saint Paul, who offered us one of their famous cakes in exchange for the haircut from Level Salon in Minneapolis. Today we had lunch at Café Latte to think over our decision and how could we ever resist this cake! Bryce’s mother, Linda Quinn, created all the recipes in the restaurant and these cakes are something special.




Bryce made the trade because he was up for a haircut and also since he saw the Big Trade Up as a good way to contribute to the community while simultaneously announcing Latte’s new delivery service for their cakes and other great fresh items. Café Latte Delivery provides desserts, box lunches and cakes for weddings, corporate meetings and special events so if you or someone you know is engaged, be sure they ask about this expedient new service.

If all this talk of food sounded good to you just now, visit Café Latte at their website, www.cafelatte.com, or in person on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. We better trade this cake soon before it’s gone!

Thanks again for all of the support. We had 8 items to consider for trade #3 so it was a tough decision. We decided to trade the 2 Wasabi Japanese bowls for a haircut from Matt with Level Salon on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. Matt heard about the Big Trade Up and was excited to be involved and help the effort move one step closer to the goal.

So if you are in need of a haircut by a great stylist and have something you are willing to trade, please let us know!

On Tuesday, Chad had a bite to eat at Wasabi Fusion Restaurant off Washington Ave, downtown Minneapolis, their “JC Roll” is amazing. Anyway he was telling the bartender Eric about the Big Trade Up and how we had traded the #2 pencil to Vik for the Lund’s eco-friendly, reusable grocery bag. Eric thought the Big Trade Up was a great idea, and had lost his Lund’s bag recently, so he offered to trade two Japanese soup bowls with spoons for the grocery bag.

So if you have something you want to trade for the Japanese bowls, please let us know.

Thanks to Eric and Wasabi!

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Thank you so much for all of the immediate support for the Big Trade Up! We had several people offer items to trade and we decided to go with Vik Janega, with Lunds in St. Paul, MN who offered a nice nylon Lunds grocery bag to trade for Frank’s #2 pencil. Vik heard about the Big Trade Up and thought the reusable bag would not only be a good item to kick off the trades and help Mind The Future but one that is environmentally friendly. So if you’re ever in St. Paul, stop by the Lunds on Ford Parkway and say hi to Vik.

So thank you to Vik for the Lunds grocery bag! Now we are ready for the next trade. Please submit items for consideration to MyTrade@BigTradeUp.com and stay tuned for updates on the next trades.

Welcome to the BigTradeUp! You watched the video and you’re saying to yourself what in the world is this… are these guys crazy? Well maybe, but after years of hard work trying to run non-profit Vision For Business (Now Mind The Future) without staff the best we can as volunteers, we decided it was time to make one big push to take Mind The Future to another level. It was time to see if we could raise enough money to fund 10 new scholarship commitments and hire a full-time Executive Director.

Given today’s economic conditions, we asked ourselves how could it ever be done? We needed a big idea, something different from the typical fundraiser… The idea… What if we started with one small item and with the help of friends, family, co-workers, anyone that has a heart for helping inner-city kids, we keep trading up until we have secured an item that can be sold to fund 10 scholarships and grow Mind The Future. That’s it, the Big Trade Up!

So here we are… The site is up, video complete and Frank’s #2 pencil is now available for trade. Franks #2 pencil is a symbol of the hard work that we can inspire with each new Mind The Future Scholarship commitment. Frank who is now in High School, is the perfect example of how Mind The Future works. He was our first scholarship recipient in 6th grade who today continues to excel in school and recently started his own peer tutoring network. He jumped at the opportunity to kick off the BigTradeUp and is excited to help make it a success.

To support this great cause, please consider offering an item to trade for Frank’s #2 pencil by emailing us at MyTrade@BigTradeUp.com. Please tell others about the BigTradeUp.com and stay tuned for trade updates!