Volunteer Spotlight January 2026: Heidi Gedis-Grimsby
Heidi, pictured with her husband, Gordy.
What can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I have a long background in marketing and media with my last position being Director of Marketing/Sales for Cuneo Advertising. Five years ago, I began to run our custom countertop company, Rock Solid Tops, with my husband, Gordy Grimsby. We have five kids between yours mine and ours, and three grandchildren…so far! My parents were very active in the non-profit world, making JFCS a priority. My mother was a past Annual Benefit Co-Chair and they’ve received the Friends of the Family Award in the past. We all gave tzedakah at every Friday night meal and the kids would vote on where the money should go.
In what capacities have you volunteered with JFCS?
I have held various roles with the Annual Benefit and the Hag Sameach program: Online Auction solicitor, Online Auction Co-Chair, Major Donor Committee, Benefit Chair, gift wrapping for the winter holidays, and delivering Passover food. The greatest honor of all has been my most recent role as Benefit Co-Chair, getting to chair this vital fundraising event!
What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFCS, and how long have you been involved?
I started volunteering with JFCS beginning in the 1990s because of my family legacy.
What’s your favorite part about volunteering with JFCS?
Delivering Hag Sameach gifts when my children were young was an incredible experience. And different roles with the Annual Benefit and Online Auction have been very gratifying.
How has the experience impacted your life?
Growing my relationships with the amazing staff at JFCS and the JFCS community has been a remarkable way to find a new home within the Jewish community after having been out of state for many years.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering with JFCS?
Why are you waiting?! Just step in and do something to help others! It’s amazing how small your own problems become when you are helping alleviate problems for others.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you JFCS for all you do!
For more information on the Annual Benefit, click here. To watch a recording of the program from the 37th Annual Benefit that took place on Dec. 6, 2025, click here. Contact Peggy Mandel, Special Project Manager and Development Officer, at 952-542-4814 or pmandel@jfcsmn.org with any questions.
For more information on JFCS Volunteer Services, click here or contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org.