OUR STORY
The North Stands was launched as bars and restaurants began to shut down in Minnesota during the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020. As the pandemic took hold, there was a growing need for hospitality worker support. Lydia Andresen approached Northbound Creative, Chef David and Lori Fhima, Elijah Fhima, Chef Justin Sutherland and The Sanneh Foundation to launch The North Stands. This was the birth of the campaign to raise funds for a stipend program designed to support hospitality workers who have lost income due to shutdowns and furloughs.

FOUNDING MEMBERS
David Fhima
Lori Fhima
Eli Fhima
Tony Sanneh
Gary Andresen
Lydia Andresen
Justin Sutherland
Advisors
David Fhima – FHIMA’S Minneapolis
Lori Fhima – FHIMA’s Minneapolis
Justin Sutherland- Handsome Hog
Seth Epstein – Thrifty Hipster (Past)
Lydia Andresen – Founder (Past)
Gary Andresen – Northbound Creative (Past)
Steve Silton – Cozen O’Connor (Past)
Tony Sanneh – The Sanneh Foundation
Will Preble – Aeterna Media (Past)
Eli Fhima – FHIMA’S Minneapolis