MERRICK, INC.’S GOLDEN GALA 2011 RAISES THE BAR

Annual fundraiser for local non-profit is a rousing success

Merrick, Inc., a Vadnais Heights based non-profit with the mission to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities, and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams hosted their annual fundraising event on Friday, October 14 at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Event attendance neared 400, an eight percent increase over last year.

Jeff Olsen, Twin Cities TV personality from KARE 11, emceed the event that raised over $60,000 to fund Merrick’s mission. Food from the award-winning Lake Elmo Inn included a made-to-order pasta bar, appetizers, and dozens of desserts.

In addition to the silent auction, organized by local company IPS, a live auction led by Jim Jorgenson of JJ’s Auction Service brought in bids for items ranging from dental work from Northview Dental, to a home-cooked dinner by a Lake Elmo Chef, to a martini party hosted by Merrick’s Executive Director John Wayne Barker and his wife Mary. Up for grabs in the silent auction were a myriad of baskets filled with all sorts of goodies, tickets to sporting and theater events in the Twin Cities, vacation rentals, client artwork, and an array of wrought iron sculptures.

Along with the auction events, various games and activities played throughout the night sponsored by Freedom Valu Center and Wedding Day Diamonds helped make the event a successful fundraiser.

Fundraising efforts were the main focus of the night; however art took center stage when local public artist and artistic entrepreneur Carly Schmitt unveiled her community mural, “Reflections”. The mural held relevance for several Merrick clients in attendance as they participated in painting the tiles that make up the piece. For more information on Carly Schmitt’s work visit, www.carlyschmitt.com

Mike Greenbaum, Finance and Development Director for Merrick said, “The night was a huge success thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, our dedicated staff who volunteered their time and talent, and the willingness of our clients to share their journey of self-advocacy. I’m already looking forward to working on next year’s event and continuing to grow the Gala bigger and better every year.”