2016 Learning Renaissance
6th Annual LEAF Learning Renaissance
The fund-a-need auction raised over $12,600 for mobile hot spots and over $13,000 for the academic fund.
The 2016 Learning Renaissance fundraiser for the LEAF Academic Fund was held at Café Renaissance on Sunday, October 30. Over 150 supporters of education had great food, fine wine and great conversation with others who support public education.
The focus of the evening was to raise funds in support of mobile hot spots that needy students at our junior high schools can check out so that they have internet connection for their homework.
Dr. Michael Hemesath, President of St. John’s University, gave a short speech on “The Importance of technology for educating today’s youth”. Following Dr. Hemesath’s comments, Superintendent Willie Jett made welcoming comments and then introduced former Superintendent Bruce Watkins to conduct the live and fund-a-need auctions.
All-in-all, it was a fun evening! The fund-a-need auction raised over $12,600 for mobile hot spots and over $13,000 for the academic fund. In addition, the live auction, sponsorships and guest tickets provided significant revenue to help build the LEAF Academic Fund.
There are many people to thank for a successful event. Our sponsors and attendees; Dr. Hemesath, Wille Jett and Bruce Watkins; and, certainly our hosts Jim Rakhshani and his staff at the Café Renaissance in Waite Park! Our sincere thanks to all who attended and/or contributed to the 6th Annual LEAF Learning Renaissance!
Following are some pictures from the gala Learning Renaissance!
2016 Learning Renaissance Sponsors
$10,0000 – Community Leader
Anonymous – Matching Grant
$5,000 Community Innovator
Paul & Joanne Dorsher
2016 Learning Renaissance Sponsors
$10,0000 – Community Leader
Anonymous – Matching Grant
$5,000 Community Innovator
Paul & Joanne Dorsher
$1,000 Community Builders
Bernick’s
Dick & Mimi Bitzan Family Fund of the CMCF
Mahowald Insurance Agency
Bill & Chip Martin-Chaffee
Miller Architects & Builders
Palmer Printing
Proviant Group
Quinlivan & Hughes, PA
$500 Commuinity Mentors
Doug & Tarryl Clark
Patrick Henry & Pat Welter
Bruce & Colleen Hentges
IIW Minnesota
MARCO
Microbiologics
Jim & Bev Pehler
Stearns Bank
$200 Community Pacesetters
Bernie Berns
Brenda & Jim Blackmore
Barb & Jerry Carlson
Kevin & Beth Donnelly
Debbie & Jason Erickson
Cindy Harner
Willie & Tamara Jett
Lori & Curtis Johnson
David & Pat Krueger
Patrick & Cathy Mullen
North Benton Dental
Jeff & Stephanie Peterson
Jeff & Laura Pfannenstein
Mike & Janet Reagan
Eric & Elizabeth Reisinger
John & Joy Ruis
Michael Schlough & Rebecca Bastien
Ed Schnettler
Gary & Barb Strandemo
Jerry & Connie Von Korff
Dennis Whipple & Scott Wachtler
In-Kind
ADCO Creative (Don Farleo Advertising
Cork & Cask at Grande Depot
Coborn’s, Inc.