Oh what a night! The Annual Fundraising Dinner was a wonderful event. It was a gathering of over 170 people enjoying dinner, auctions, and each other. More importantly, it was a gathering to support NER.
Our new location at Vadnais Heights Commons was beautiful. I received many compliments on the high ceiling and windows surrounding the room. Guests enjoyed the sound of a harp playing as they entered, and then a jazz band during dinner. Our caterer, Lake Elmo Inn, of course, did not disappoint.
Obviously, fundraising is a goal of the evening and from all accounts was a great success. We had a silent auction, raffles, a live auction and a fund-a-need drive. Our auctioneer, Glen Fladeboe of Fladeboe Auctions was fast talking and entertaining.
This year we chose resident camps/trips as our fund-a-need drive. We chose this knowing how important it is for our clients to enjoy camp or a trip away from their usual day-to-day goings on. Many of our residents cannot afford to pay to go to camp or for a trip as their wages are extremely limited. We were able to raise $6,800.00 towards this effort. What a great gift to our residents.
Our silent and live auctions also did well. Our silent auction had over 100 items and brought in about $3,700.00. Our live auction included such things as our “Wine Cellar” and a police ride-a-long. Altogether the 8 items on the live auction made $2,625.00. We have many totals to tally before our final numbers are in for the evening, but I expect it to be one of our best dinners ever.
Our success would not have been possible without the help of so, so many people. Our thanks to everyone that attended, donated an item for the auctions, helped with the event, and to the speakers that evening. Kathy Lewis and Angela did a wonderful job sharing their stories with us. They helped people understand the important work we do at NER.
I would like to give a special thanks to the Fundraising Dinner Committee. The members are: Barb Damerow, Joan Purrington, Joanne Heller, John & June Martin, Lorrie Morse and Colleen Roberts. This newly formed group was a blessing. They worked within a fairly short timeframe and helped with everything from planning, getting auction items & auction organizing, to set up and take down the day of event, amongst other things. Some of their family members also took part in helping out. I look forward to working with this great group in the future.
Thanks also to everyone that helped that evening with video production and the program, registration, the silent auction, and clean up. There was much to be done and helping hands were appreciated. As a fundraiser, it is very rewarding to see such an event come together and see the tremendous support people give to the work we do and the people we serve.
Our next event, the Driving For Dreams Golf Tournament is coming up on Monday, August 15th at Indian Hills Golf Club in Stillwater. Look for your invitation coming soon.
Information is also available at: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/NortheastResidenceInc/OnlineRegistration.html
Linda Tschetter
Development Director
651-303-7982 / ltschetter@nerinc.org
Fundraising Dinner 2011 pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.178896128831428.49808.164238303630544
