Many of us have heard about Once Upon a Playhouse, but do we truly know what it is all about? We chatted with Jennifer Pinske about this wonderful annual fundraiser for Family Services Rochester. This year, Once Upon a Playhouse has once again partnered with the Rochester Area Builders and is raising funds to support the Mental Health Services at Family Services Rochester.
“In 2023, our Mental Health Professionals provided NEARLY 14,000 hours of service to over 1,200 clients in outpatient, community-based, family-based, and school-based settings.” – Jennifer Pinske.
2025 Offers Two Permanent Spots to View the Playhouse!
The playhouses will be on display all summer at both Sargent’s locations. Purchase your raffle tickets at the register!
Sargent’s North: The Sprouthaus Playhouse and The Klub House
Sargent’s on 2nd: Re-Play RetreaT and Jaguar’s Den
Photos Courtesy of Once Upon a Playhouse
Back by popular demand is an initiative that involves Rochester, MN, Middle School students – this year from John Adams Middle School. “Rochester Area Builders has teamed up with Rochester Community Ed and John Adams Middle School to provide an afterschool program where 14 kids did classroom learning sessions about various trades that help build homes, and then they designed and built the Playhouse,” said Pinske.
Supporting Mental Health Services
There are many different ways to show your support for Mental Health Services, but one way is by purchasing raffle tickets. Winners will be awarded one of this year’s 2025 playhouses! Raffle tickets are $20 each, or 3 tickets for $50, or 7 tickets for $100. Raffle tickets can be purchased at either of the Family Service Rochester locations or at the register at both Sargent’s locations. “With the increased demands for mental health services in recent years this is an important fundraiser for our organization. We are hoping to raise over $50,000 this year, and with about 3 weeks to go, we are at approximately $30,000 of goal raised.”
Find out more about Family Service Rochester, services offered, locations and hours:
Phone: 507-287-2010
Main Office – 4600 18th Ave NW, Rochester
South Office – 1625 Highway 14 East, Rochester
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 5 pm
Friday: 8 am – 3 pm
Evenings: by appointment, 507-287-2010
Saturday – Sunday: closed
