CHOOSING JOY
OUR ORIGIN
Project Joy began in 2012 in memory of Patrick Plys, a Duluth businessman, local curler, and philanthropist, who was involved in many projects for those in need. After suffering a stroke during surgery to attempt to remove his brain tumor, no longer able to speak, Patrick wrote on a white board, “I Choose Joy” when asked what he’d do with the remainder of his life. Patrick’s wife, Laura, along with family and friends decided the best way to honor his loss was to help local children impacted by food scarcity in their homes.
And so, Project Joy was born.
Project Joy + House of Hearts
Working together
Initially, the volunteers of Project Joy raised funds and donated their proceeds to a local food bank to establish a weekend backpack program.
In 2016 the House of Hearts Charity Bonspiel, a 501(c)3 nonprofit began directing the proceeds from its annual fundraising event to Project Joy’s backpack program. In 2019, Project Joy chose to find additional ways to address childhood hunger and officially joined the House of Hearts as the major program under HOH’s nonprofit status, and this arrangement continues to the present.
Working Together
In 2026, the House of Hearts Charity Bonspiel raised $469,848 to support Project Joy Northland’s backpack program.
HOUSE OF HEARTS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HOH is the parent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with Project Joy as its main program. To find out more about House of Hearts.
HOUSE OF HEARTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Name
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Position
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Joe Polo
Project Manager: Lakehead Construction Duluth, MN
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President
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Chris Plys
Owner: Plys Superior Consulting Duluth, MN
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Vice President
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Barb Payette
Property Manager: Cardinal Pointe of Maplewood St. Paul, MN
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Board Member
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Kay Nierengarten
Owner, Northwind & Treasurer, Whippet Health Foundation Saginaw, MN
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Treasurer
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Larry Lieberman
Procurement Manager: Harbor Freight Hollywood, CA
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Board Member
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Jack Payette
National Sales Manager: OnMedia Minneapolis, MN
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Board Member
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Mark Shubert
Owner: Asphalt of Duluth (Retired) Saginaw, MN
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Board Member
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