Each year our Fall Gala aims to build connections within the church and raise money for our general fund. By both measures, this year’s Gala – with the theme of “Making Space for All” – was a success, with great participation and more than $25,000 raised for our general fund. It was so fun to see 95 people attend the in-person and online live event on November 2nd, and to have 89 bidders win the 152 item donations by 66 members and friends.
Our donors and bidders are critical to a successful Gala. But the event would never happen without our Gala volunteers. Mary Cotton developed our theme, decorated the church, and worked in many ways to create the welcoming atmosphere in the building. Bob Dachelet turned the sanctuary into our event space (and then turned it back into the worship space the same night). Marc Doepner-Hove was our host, and Brian Zais directed the live music. Sam Brandt, Jim Pace, Jami Stromberg, and Brian Liu performed the live music with Brian, and Stacy Doepner-Hove assisted with online bidding. The food and drink was provided by Ben and Shelly Kyriagis, Jackie and Steve Zimmerman, Janna and Steve Sundby, and Melissa and Noel Martinson. The tech team included Mike Wheeler, Jason Brechin, and Emma Wilson. Carlie Conforti and Rylee Holm-Hansen provided childcare. Bob Dachelet and Janna Sundby served as greeters, and Steve Sunby staffed the drink station. Stef Bell-Egge helped manage the live bidding, and Emma Wilson published our communications. We want to thank all of them for playing important roles in the success of the Gala.
The Gala has changed and grown over the last five years as we have blended live, paper, and online bidding, and added entertainment. We would love to have you share your experiences and your ideas for improving the event. You can do that by completing the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gala24feedback.
We’ll see you next year!
Fred and Karen Hulting, Gala Co-Chairs
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