SAVE THE DATE! This event is being held next year on September 25, 2025!

The Star of Boreas Foundation and the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation (SPFHF) are proud to announce the 2024 Sal & Francesca (Corky) LoBaido Award recipients: Individual awardees- Jennifer Tamburo and Phil Schenkenberg; Organization award recipients – Nemer Fieger. They were selected based on their long-term commitment and support of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the greater community.

The SPFHF is the proud producer of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a festival with a 138-year history. Sal and Corky LoBaido represented the epitome of giving back and supporting the greater community in many ways including their great example of selfless support for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

The Star of Boreas Foundation has been recognizing individuals and businesses/organizations with the LoBaido awards since 1987. The recognition dinner helps support the charitable endeavors of this Foundation.

SPFHF President and CEO, Lisa Jacobson noted: “Our 138-year history is exemplified by people and organizations stepping forward to provide their volunteer time and financial support so that the Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues. The individuals and business being awarded this year are so very deserving of this honor.” Darrin Johnson, Chair of the LoBaido event this year, added “These award winners have provided numerous years of dedicated service to ensure the success of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the greater Saint Paul community as well.” The three winners are as follows:

Jennifer Tamburo began her official involvement with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival in 2005 as the Princess of the East Wind; however, her involvement really began in 1991 when she marched in her first Winter Carnival Parade. After her exceptional representation during her reign as the East Wind Princess, she continued giving back to the many organizations that made an impact on her as well as others. Jen became a member of the Alumni Past Princess Association and has supported the group for many years. Additionally, she has held several leadership positions, enabling her to give back and help impact the organizations that serve the festival success and growth. Jen served on the board of the Ambassadors of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival for three years and was selected to serve as President in 2009. Jen then served on the Board of Directors of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation for 12 years in various positions including Membership Chair, Festival Planning Committee Chair (2014-2016), Vice Chair and Board Chair (2018-2019). Jen was an instrumental member on the Ice Board of Governors and co-lead the committee that produced the small ice structures that lead to the 2018 Ice Palace. She was instrumental in the success of the expanded Winter Carnival and Ice Palace with the Super Bowl in 2018, recruiting numerous volunteers and charities for a greater exposure of the event.

Additionally, she has served on several search committees for CEOs of the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, was instrumental in the Foundation assisting the Cinco de Mayo celebration, has built and maintained relationships in the community, and has been a leader with every task she commands. Jen is constantly looking for ways for others to become involved. She is also a personal financial donor to the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation to help support the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and is responsible for enlisting Saint Paul and surrounding corporations to also support the organization, as she continues to network her passion for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Jen also just completed a year serving “across the river” as a Minneapolis Aquatennial Captain, expanding her reach and passion to local festivals throughout Minnesota and the U.S.

Phil Schenkenberg’s long-term commitment and loyal dedication as the attorney for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival over the past 23+ years, even during difficult times, is unparalleled. His boardroom and committee attendance was stellar, as he took this volunteer role very seriously and gave many hundred hours of his time over many years. He would consistently check in with Board chairs to discern areas of legal concern on the horizon. Never once did the foundation receive a bill for any of his time or services. He meets with potential and incoming Legend Characters each and every year to lay out those areas to be on their radar as it relates to their new roles and the Protocol Manual. Phil left his volunteer role in June of this year, but not before he found a replacement from his firm. We truly appreciate Phil!

Since 2008, Nemer Fieger has been an integral part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival as our Media/PR partner. They have been instrumental in the continued success of the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, year after year. From the detailed media guide full of schedules, facts, and Carnival history to coordinating press interviews before, during, and after the “Coolest Celebration on Earth™”. J. Marie Fieger, Molly Mulvehill Steinke (“Media Molly” as she was dubbed by the Kates), and the entire team at Nemer Fieger ensure that this Festival is top of mind locally, regionally, and nationally. Year after year, the Nemer Fieger team helps to secure millions of impressions in earned media via newspaper features, TV and radio interviews, and online mentions. Our sponsors, Royal Family, Vulcans, Klondike Kates, CEO, and Board Members are showcased in high style because of their work! Sponsors and alumni membership see this coverage and return each year to support this festival to ensure we remain a mostly FREE event. They’ve been described as honest, humble, nimble, innovative and fun – and we agree. We appreciate all that they do!

Questions? Email: starofboreasfoundation@gmail.com