Sep. 6 -- LEWISTON -- What started as a ceremony to present Ron Wanek, founder of Ashley Furniture and 1959 Alumnus of Lewiston Altura High School, with an award ended with a generous donation of $1 million to the Crossings Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, the organization announced in a press release.

The Crossings Center, a nonprofit youth, family and community event center in Lewiston, hosts a weekly Summer Concert Series every Wednesday night in conjunction with the Lewiston Area Farmers Market & Family Night Out. More than 1,500 people came out to enjoy the final concert of the season, the release said.

During the event, Wanek, was recognized as the first recipient of the "Distinguished Alumni Award" for the Lewiston and Altura area.

Wanek was born and raised on a farm located between Lewiston and Altura and graduated from then Lewiston High School in 1959. He, his wife and their family have grown Ashley Furniture into the largest furniture manufacturer and retailer in the world.

"A passion for making furniture and a driving work ethic and great courage make him a shining example for all of us," stated Joel Hennessy, co-founder of the Crossings Center. "We believe that in order succeed now and in the future, we must look to the past, remember who we are as Americans, and learn from exceptional people that have risen to the top. ... Ron is certainly one of those people and that is why he was nominated and selected as our first 'Distinguished Alumni Award' recipient."

Wanek ended up sharing a surprise with the Crossings Center founders as the Wanek family and representatives from Ashley Furniture presented them a check for $1 million from the Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation to be applied toward the current expansion and renovation project underway at the historic farmstead.

The Crossings Center is owned and operated by Christian Crossings. Founders Joel Hennessy, Brian Prudoehl and Bill Lanik started the nonprofit in 2004 as a music ministry focused on helping youth organizations in southeast Minnesota. In 2007, from proceeds of the music ministry, the organization purchased property in Lewiston to be developed as a safe place for area youth.

Over the years it has developed into a unique "catalyst" for youth, families and rural America, the release said. The Crossings Center has become an active, engaging, 18 acre facility focused on overall community wellness.

The newest addition to the property is an 1894 brick one-room schoolhouse rescued and relocated to the property to serve as the hub of a new area history center.

The Waneks were "instrumental in making that project possible and have continued to increase their support of the organization leading up to the donation," according to the Crossings Center.