Sarah Howard | Party Pictures and our Party Patrol bloggers take on the party scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul from mspmag.com

The 3rd Annual Friends of St. Jude Masquerade Ball

By Sarah Howard | Photos by Josh Anderson | Event Date: May 6, 2011
Posted on May 11, 2011 | Categories: Benefits + Fundraisers, TV Anchors + Media

Who: Masquerade ball lovers, young professionals, late-night scenesters

What: Friends of St. Jude Masquerade Ball

Where: Seven Sushi Ultralounge

When: May 6, 2011

Why: To get young professionals together to raise funds in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

My first personal connection to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—located in Memphis—came last year when talking to our 2010 Volunteer Hall of Fame honoree Berit Francis. Her daughter was treated at the hospital and she had nothing but wonderful things to say about the magnificent place that treated and cured her daughter.

The 2011 RAVE Awards

By Sarah Howard | Photos by Photos by Bruce Knutson | Event Date: April 5, 2011
Posted on April 14, 2011 | Categories: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Party Pics

Five Minnesota residential architecture projects were selected for 2011’s Residential Architects Vision and Excellence (RAVE) Awards at International Market Square on April 5. The jury included Tim Carl, AIA, HGA Architects, Ann Ledy, President and Chief Academic Officer, College of Visual Arts, Julia Robinson, AIA, Professor of Architecture at the University of Minnesota; and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Homes editor Melinda Nelson. For a full list of winners, check out the American Institute of Architects website.

Pet Project Rescue’s 3rd Annual Fundraiser

By Sarah Howard | Photos by Photos by Sarah Howard | Event Date: April 7, 2011
Posted on April 8, 2011 | 1 Comment | Categories: Benefits + Fundraisers

Who: Animal lovers, beer connoisseurs, and partygoers

What: Pet Project Rescue’s annual fundraiser

Where: Summit Brewery

When: April 7, 2011

Why: To raise funds for Pet Project Rescue, a no-kill, volunteer-run animal shelter

Three years ago I adopted a dog from a rescue shelter. Before getting a dog, I hemmed and hawed over whether I should go to a breeder or a shelter. But after asking a friend (who is a compassionate animal lover and vegan) which I should look into, she told me about dog rescue shelters, how much support they need, and the horrible industry of puppy mills. So I went the shelter route and ended up with one heckuva dog. I’ve been passionate about animal shelters ever since. So this party for a no-kill animal shelter was right up my alley. Well, I love beer too. But more on that in a second.

Propel’s Mad Lib Mixology

By Sarah Howard | Photos by Photos by Sarah Howard | Event Date: March 31, 2011
Posted on April 1, 2011 | Categories: Special Events

Who: Young professionals, minglers, and supporters of single moms

What: Jeremiah Foundation’s Propel hosts Mad Lib Mixology

Where: Caterpillar Lounge in Thom Pham’s Wondrous Azian Kitchen

When: March 31, 2011

Why: To teach cocktail lovers about Propel

My first ever black-tie gala was Jeremiah Foundation’s Bullfrog Bash. I was invited on behalf of this here magazine and couldn’t wait to attend. When I arrived, I felt a bit out of place as a wide-eyed 21-year-old. But once the evening settled in and I started to learn about the Jeremiah Foundation, I was hooked. So were a group of other young professionals, who have banded together to create Propel—a group of young professionals dedicated to spreading the Jeremiah Foundation’s mission through social events and fundraisers.

WINGs Flight of Fashion

By Sarah Howard | Photos by Photos by Josh Anderson | Event Date: March 24, 2011
Posted on March 29, 2011 | Categories: Fashionistas, Special Events

Who: Trendsetters, fashion lovers, and women supporting women

What: United Way of Twin Cities’ WINGs Flight of Fashion

Where: Mall of America’s Great Room in Nickelodeon Universe

When: March 24, 2011

Why: To get a sneak peek at spring trends and raise awareness for United Way’s WINGs program.

I have to admit, I’m not much of a fashionista. I live to wear black, rarely wear patterns, and secretly worry that everything I put on clashes with my red hair. So when the opportunity to go to a fashion show came up, I knew I had to attend. Not only are they fun (despite my non-fashionistaness), they’re also inspiring. I always leave wanting to mix up my closet. But this fashion show was inspiring for a different reason. As a fundraiser for United Way’s WINGs (Women Investing in the Next Generation) program, this show allowed guests to learn about WINGs and hear about how the program has helped women in our community.