Fall Harvest Gala a Big Success!

The Fall Harvest Gala Raises Nearly $16,000 for Shelter Pets!

Thanks go out to all who support the work of Great River Rescue

October 22, 2019

By Brandon Mustful

Last Friday night at the Bluebelle Event Venue, Great River Rescue held its first ever Fall Harvest Gala Fundraising Dinner. It was truly a great night in support and celebration of the work of the organization. The event featured a social hour with special music by Annalise Aakhus, silent and live auctions, special prize raffles, dinner catered by Minnesota Nice Café, and guest speaker Christine Coughlin of the Humane Society of the United States. There were about 150 guests who attended the event, along with about 20 volunteers. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, raffles, and auctions, the event raised a total of $15,723 for Great River Rescue. It was the highest grossing fundraising event for Great River Rescue ever. Those funds will go directly to providing high quality care for shelter pets and getting them into homes with responsible pet owners.

Each year, Great River Rescue saves, cares for, and finds homes for about 400 animals. Every animal is an investment of time, energy, money, and other resources. Additionally, Great River Rescue strives to educate the public about responsible pet care, work to prevent pet overpopulation, and be a valuable resource to the community regarding animal welfare related issues. These efforts are only possible through the continued support of our community in the form of financial donations and volunteer service. Events like the Fall Harvest Gala make a big difference for the organization and the support received is greatly appreciated.

I would like to send a special thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the event successful. Thank you to the Bluebelle Event Venue for hosting. Thank you to the Minnesota Nice Café for catering. Thank you Amanda Kossow, Christine Coughlin, Jessica Schoenfeld, and Joleen Dwyer for sharing your stories. Thank you…

Headline Sponsor – Paul Bunyan Communications

Presenting Sponsors – Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and Mix 103.7

Animal All-Star Sponsors – Dearholt Tax & Accounting, Pinnacle Marketing Group, North Central Door, Eric Sundem and Century 21 Realtors, First National Bank Bemidji

Other Sponsors – TEAM Industries of Bagley, Deerwood Bank, Knife River Corporation, L & M Fleet Supply, Sara Labraaten State Farm, Cease Family Funeral Home, Lueken’s Village Foods, Marketplace Foods, Nei Bottling

Auction Item Donors – Shooting Star Casino, Canine Divine, Beltrami Electric, L & M Fleet, Blackduck Bowling Lanes, Andersen Fabrics, Slim’s Bar & Grill, Lucky Dogs, Canine Divine, Northwest Tire, Bemidji Bowl, Dave’s Pizza, Bemidji Sports Center, Otter Tail Power Company, Kenny’s Clark & Goodyear, Bill’s Base Camp, Paul Snider, Knob and Kettle Restaurant, Birch Haven Resort, Coca-Cola Bottling, Menards, Erbert & Gerberts Subs, Skeeter Stitch, Stu’s Auto Electric and Repair, Keith’s Old River Pizza Company, Perkins, Sherwin Williams, PetRescue RX, Deerwood Bank, Bemidji CEC Theaters, Innovative Office Solutions, Sherry Billups, Sanford Health, Ace Hardware, Image Photography, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Hanson’s Homemade Baked Goods ‘n’ Cannery, The 71 Mart, Light Mountain Health Works, The Bluebelle Event Venue, Air Corps Aviation

Volunteers – Jenny Borth, Joleen Dwyer, Jessica Schoenfeld, Jon Novick, Kylie Hudzik, Ann Mork, Kris Pellin, Ellie and Emma Pellin, Eric Sundem, Ara Gallo, Mary Wolkerstorfer, Nick Raber, Anna Siebenaler, Anna Knowles, Mekenzy Hoisington, Sunny Werlein, Randy and Vicki Brandsted, Carla Mistic, Faye Dudley, Theresa Tobon, Geri Hickerson, and Kevin Johnson.

And thank you to anyone I may have missed!

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