Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Hehn.
Hi Rebecca, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 1989, Lucy Nelson and Mae Nordeen co-founded Tusen Tack in Braham, Minnesota, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit thrift store. Their goal was to sell affordable donated goods and use the profits to support the community, primarily the Braham Area Food Shelf.
Starting in a small $60/month rental space with 19 volunteers, the shop outgrew its location within three months. In November 1989, they purchased a brick building on Main Street (the former Carlson Fairway store), successfully paying off the mortgage within five years. Tusen Tack relocated to its current building on West Central Drive in October 2005.
Following a 2007 community initiative identifying the need for a community center, progress stalled due to an economic downturn. In 2009, the Tusen Tack board voted to take on the massive project. After five years of fundraising and construction, the center opened on February 1, 2014. Originally called the Braham Area Community Event Center (BACEC), it was later renamed the Braham Event Center for better marketing.
The Tusen Tack Community Programs mission is building community and enhancing the quality of life in East Central Minnesota. From the humble beginnings with two woman with grit and determination, now operates multiple programs with over 200 volunteers including a volunteer board of directors, and supported by an Executive Director, paid office staff and custodians.
Tusen Tack Thrift Store: Still going strong with affordable priced household goods, furniture and gently used clothing with all proceeds supporting the Tusen Tack Community Programs.
Braham Area Food Shelf: Partnered with Second Harvest Heartland since 2006 to increase food purchasing power.
Braham Event Center: This beautiful building is a community hub offering meeting spaces for events, a venue for weddings and community services to foster local connection and reduce social isolation. With accommodations for up to 400 guests, all proceeds from events support Tusen Tack Community Programs.
Alice Studt Library: Operates five days a week, providing the community with book, computer, and internet access.
Kathy’s Kitchen: An on-site catering service for event center guests that also addresses local food needs through a wide range programs including preparing meals for summer school students, cooking classes and offering a discounted weekly community meals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Bringing such a unique space to life for the community with volunteers and generous donations has taken countless dedicated hours, planning, set backs and then the question of who is going to run it all once it was built. Time and time again the citizens of Braham and surrounding areas rolled up their sleeves, put in the work and have stepped up to lend their time, talents and expertise to continue the mission and make a place for the community to gather, an affordable place to get essentials and spaces to support each other.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In March of 2026, I stepped into the role of Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter after a rewarding 27-year career with Lunds & Byerlys. Having moved to Braham, Minnesota in 2021 to be closer to family, I spent a few years braving the long, unpredictable commute through Minnesota’s infamous snowstorms and highway construction. Finding this opportunity close to home felt like a perfect alignment of timing and purpose.
This role is far more than just a job to me; it is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a talented, passionate team of volunteers dedicated to bettering our community and helping our neighbors. I bring to this position over 20 years of leadership experience, a deep-rooted passion for hospitality, and the mindset of a ‘forever learner’ who is always eager to grow personally and professionally. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading as we build a stronger community together.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
We are known for our small town charm and community spirit that is still a reasonable commute to the metro, short distance to all the major shopping in Cambridge and the perfect stop on the way to the cabin. We do take pride in shopping local at our many boutiques, and my favorite, the Tusen Tack Thrift store, dining at our local restaurants and we have the peace and quiet of rural living. Braham, Minnesota is the Homemade Pie Capital of Minnesota. The town hosts a Braham Pie Day every first Friday in August. Our businesses give generously to our students through scholarship opportunities, they support nonprofit initiatives through grants and donations and lend their time and talents to our many community groups.
Pricing:
- Braham Event Center Wedding Pricing Sunday through Friday from $2900
- Braham Event Center Wedding Pricing Saturdays and Holidays from $3900
- Braham Event Center Meeting and Event rates Weekday all-day $800/ half day (6 hours) $400
- Braham Event Center Meeting and Event Weekends rates all-day $1100/half day (6 hours) $550
- Non-profits organizations, please contact us for discounted rates. Printed rates subject to change and are subject to sales tax.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tusentack.org
- Other: events@tusentack.org
