Thursday, May 15, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30 AM

At

 

Assistant Project Manager

Minnesota Department of Transportation

 

Come learn about one of the Twin Ports’ most significant engineering projects: the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge. Built in 1961, the bridge is jointly owned and managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. At nearly 8,000 feet, it is the second longest bridge in Minnesota, carrying I-535 over St. Louis Bay, the headwaters of Lake Superior. It was dedicated on December 2, 1961, but was renamed for Congressman John Blatnik on September 24, 1971, to commemorate Blatnik’s role in making the bridge a reality. The Blatnik Bridge replaced a swinging toll bridge around the same location that carried both automobile and rail traffic. More than 30,000 vehicles travel across the bridge every day,

 

 

May 14, 2025

12:50 pm – 3:00pm

Duluth, MN 55808

Questions: Dan Maki dmaki@ascentialwealth.com

 

By Patra Sevastiades

Last week’s “Night Under the Stars” Rotary Gala & Auction Fundraiser was sold out, and it was a stunning success.

 

The cobalt blue sky was reflected on the shimmering lake as guests arrived at the Kitchi Gammi Club. Each received a warm reception from District Governor Elect Elaine Hansen and Greg Hansen at the registration table in the North Shore Room. Next door, in the Breakfast Room, was the bar, and guests were able to view the beautiful selection of raffle baskets, brimming with everything from cigars to chocolate to boxing gloves. Down the hall, Mad Hatter Jon Ohman and Jim Schwartz beguiled guests to play the Card Game. In the Great Hall itself, enchanting volunteers—Kallie Hoff, Mickey Hoff, Barb Perrella, and Chana Stocke—offered guests the opportunity to purchase strands of beads for the Heads and Tails Game and raffle tickets for raffle baskets. Every game of chance was served to support the philanthropic work of Rotary Club 25.

 

Mad Hatter Jon Ohman sold chances to play the Card Game.

 

Past President Chana Stocke and Past President Barb Perrella

sold strands of beads and raffle tickets.

 

In the Great Hall, thirteen dining tables were elegantly decorated. 

 

The Great Hall was gorgeous and filled to capacity.

 

Emcee Rob Hofmann, clad in a tux, charmed the crowd.

 

Rob Hofmann welcomed everyone. He thanked event organizers Greg Hansen and Past President Al Makynen, and he introduced auctioneer Tom Sullivan. Then the Dessert Auction began. Cakes, pies, brownies!

 

Tom Sullivan, auctioneer, starting the Dessert Auction.

 

 

Yum! Desserts galore!

 

 

Next was Heads & Tails. People with bead necklaces stood and, at a signal from Tom, placed their palms on top of their heads or on their tails. Tom flipped a coin— “Tails!”—and those with their hands on their heads sat. With each coin toss, the number of players diminished until only four were left. They were summoned to the front. “Heads or tails!” called Tom. Three put their hands on their tails, and one put her hands on her head. Tom flipped the coin. “Heads!” he shouted. Winner Liz Makynen received a cool $500.

 

Liz Makynen with the final four standing was the only one who chose "heads."

 

It was time for the Card Game drawing. Earlier in the evening, players had paid to select a card, their card was cut in two, and they kept half of it. The holders of these half-cards now held their breath as the winning card was drawn. Allen Anway won and received a $500 prize.

 

Allen Anway and his winning nine of clubs.

 

The Live Auction began, allowing guests twelve unique opportunities to support the Club’s Community Fund, which provides funding for so much of our Club’s philanthropy. Lucky bidders carried home wonderful gifts.

 

Finally, guests were invited to support two special causes.

 

Pez Davila of Neighborhood Youth Services invited Rotarians to come and visit—and to volunteer!

 

Pez Davila, executive director of Neighborhood Youth Services (NYS), briefly described the work of NYS to support downtown youth ages 6-18, offering kids everything from a safe place to go after school, to homework help, to a snack and an evening meal. He highlighted their new Youth Mental Health program, made possible by a Club 25 grant several months ago: They hired an on-site psychologist to support and work with local youth who spend time at NYS. Tom Sullivan asked people to raise their paddles in support of Youth Mental Health.

 

Rob Hofmann then spoke on behalf of Polio Plus, the astonishingly effect Rotary effort to eradicate polio from the earth. Tom asked the crowd to support Polio Plus. Donors were generous in their support of both causes.

 

Rob Hofmann returned to the podium to thank everyone for their gracious support of Rotary. Club President Elizabeth Simonson thanked all those whose efforts made the evening a success and expressed her gratitude for the difference that the evening will make in our community. All applauded, and the happy crowd made its way out of the Kitch and into the warm evening air. It had been a great night.

 

Jim Landwehr and wife, Nancy, reflect the happy mood of the evening and were joined at their table by Dan Dougherty, Blaze Zenner, Sally Bradt, Scott and Marge Fisher.

 

David Fulda and wife, Terry; Pat Lehr and Dale Johnson; Mandy Davidson and President Elect Zach Walters, Brian Fulda and wife, Cassie.

 

Tom Homan; Jerry Bakke; Lynn Fena; event designer and Past President Bonita Nelson;

Sadie Olson; Sheryl Homan; Lawrence, Andrea, and Michel Trujillo.

Christa Scheider, Past President Barb Perrella, new member Bill Lundberg (foreground), Allison Hanig-Landrus and Jim Pratt (photo bombing).

 

Mark Leutgeb, Linda and Ed Hendrickson, Russ and Lorraine Mattson, Geiger Yount, and Mary Young (wife of Tom Young).

 

Roche Lally, Marilyn Fifield, Kathleen Lally, Andy Thielen and wife, Kathleen.

 

Andy Theilen and wife, Kathleen, and Janie Johns with Card Game half-cards.

 

Steve Hadley and wife, Linda; Ruth Westra; and Bob Reichert.

 

Michael Orman and wife, Anne.

 

Jon Ohman (AKA Mad Hatter) and President Elizabeth Simonson.

 

Emcee Rob Hofmann, Tom and Tere Dawson, Liz Makynen, Jerry Thoreson, auctioneer Tom Sullivan and wife, Kathy.

 

Allen Anway and wife, Judy Sage; Barb and Jim Schwartz; Pez Davila and Aaron Felonies of Neighborhood Youth Services.

 

Mickey Hoff, Braden Hoff, Taylor Crissinger, and Kallie Hoff.

 

Past President Dean Casperson and Jim Landwehr; Tim Mowbray in background.

 

Below: The Gala Committee arrived earlier in the day to set the stage for a memorable event:

 

Jon Ohman, Past President Barb Perrella, Past President Chana Stocke, and Christa Scheider set up raffle baskets.

Event Co-Chair Greg Hansen prepares boxes to receive raffle tickets.

 

Event designer Past President Bonita Nelson setting up the tables.

 

Jeff Fifield enthusiastically tries out sound system.

 

Assistant District Governor and Past President Dean Casperson; Past Assistant District Governor and Past President & Event Co-Chair Al Makynen discuss final details of event.