Benefits + Fundraisers
Who: Local celebs, music lovers, and friends of Open Arms of Minnesota
What:The Butterball Party 2011
Where: Graves 601 Hotel
When: Nov. 19, 2011
Why: To support Open Arms of Minnesota, an organization that provides meals to people with life-threatening diseases
Butterball, one of the best parties in the Twin Cities, only happens every other year. I was thrilled to score a ticket to this event. As I made my way into the Graves, I saw Twin Citians dressed to impress, from men in flashy jackets to women in sleek dresses and fur. The snow and ice outside didn’t stop ladies from wearing sky-high heels, either. Partygoers sipped Opulent Vodka cocktails while go-go dancers and stilt walkers paraded around the room.
Bullfrog Bash is one of the Twin Cities’ top fall galas, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Guests made their way to The Depot Minneapolis for a dazzling night of dining and dancing. The glitzy theme was in full force, from sparkly tablecloths to ladies’ sequined dresses.
Who: Divas, fashionistas, and friends of the Angel Foundation
What: Angels & Divas
Where: The Saint Paul Hotel
When: October 5, 2011
Why: To support the Angel Foundation, an organization that provides education and financial assistance to adults who have cancer.
Angels & Divas is my kind of event. First, I’m never one to turn down a fashion show. Second, the event supports the Angel Foundation, which helps adults with cancer and their families. This hit close to home, because several of my family members—including my dad, aunt, and grandpa—were diagnosed with cancer. The event’s theme was “making a difference with style,” and that is something I can get behind.
Who: Rockers, do-gooders and party-goers
What: Hope Rocks
Where: Epic Events Center
When: Sept. 24, 2011
Why: To support Faith's Lodge, a retreat for parents and families facing the serious illness or death of a child
I heard about Hope Rocks from several of my co-workers, and I was anxious to attend this year. In the midst of so many traditional galas, this event stands out for its top-notch entertainment and rocker-chic vibe.
Who: Young professionals, artists, art lovers, and Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
What: Art Perchance 2011
Where: Target Park at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
When: August 18th
Why: To raise funds for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in support of free lectures, MIA education programs, student transportation to MIA, and the conservation of the museum's permanent collection.
What: 22nd Annual Twin City Polo Classic
Where: Twin City Polo Club
When: July 31, 2011
Why: To raise funds for the University of Minnesota’s Leatherdale Equine Center
The sun was high and hot on a July Sunday when I walked through the gates of the Twin City Polo Club. Surrounded by pristine white tents accented with linen tablecloths, champagne, and rows of wooden chairs, I had arrived at the 22nd Annual Twin City Polo Classic -- one of Minnesota’s longest running charity events. I had to shield my eyes to get a full view of the massive Polo field, an impressive 300 yards long and 200 yards wide.
Who: Young professional group Propel and friends of the Jeremiah Program
What: Jeremiah’s Wine Tasting with Propel
Where: The Living Room at the W Hotel in the Foshay
When: July 28, 2011
Why: To raise funds for the Jeremiah Program
Bathed in pink light from a nearby chandelier at the W Hotel’s luxurious Living Room, I reclined in an oversized brown leather chair as members of the Propel steering committee arranged flower vases and stocked sparkling wine for the 2011 Jeremiah Program Wine Tasting event.
Who: Young professionals, Mad Men look-a-likes, classic car lovers, and friends of Hammer Residences, Inc.
What: Reach For Ralph
Where: BMW of Minnetonka
When: July 21, 2011
Why: To raise funds for Hammer Residences, Inc. in support of adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Cat-eye liner, felt fedoras, and plenty of go-go paisley print! This year’s Reach for Ralph: A Vintage Evening of Culture, Cars and Cocktails highlighted the “carpe diem” attitude of the 60s, as it focused on the importance of providing adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live life to the fullest. Hosted by BMW of Minnetonka, the event raised more than $96,000 for Hammer Residences, Inc.
What: Cities 97 Basilica Block Party
Where: Corner of 16th Street and Hennepin Avenue, outside the Basilica of St. Mary
When: July 8 and 9, 2011
Why: We love a good fundraiser, especially when it involves music, food, drinks, and sweltering heat.
I can’t lie. I’ve never been to the Basilica Block Party before. (insert gasp here). I know, I feel as though I’ve missed out on the last 16 years of good old-fashioned fun (the party began in 1995 as a means to raise money for the beautiful building’s structural restoration). I’ve heard of it, many times, but I’m relatively new to Minnesota and over these past few years, I’ve always either been out of town, preoccupied, or at a wedding while this illustrious concert commenced down the street. I’ve heard tales of the rowdiness; I’ve read reviews on the entertainment; I’ve seen the hung-over aftereffects of my friends, but I’ve never witnessed the event first hand. So you can imagine my excitement and anticipation as I prepared myself for what was sure to be a rockin’ good time of a weekend.










