For 29 years, individuals like you have been lighting the way at our annual St. David's Center Gala so that children of all abilities have the opportunity to shine their brightest.
In addition to supporting a worthy cause, it's a great reason to grab your friends for a splendid night out you're sure to remember. The food and wine will be abundant and a healthy dose of auction rivalry is sure to be in the air. You won't want to miss it!
The need is great. Our services are life-changing for the 3,100 families St. David's Center serves in early childhood education, early intervention and treatment, and life-phase services. The Make Them Shine Gala is our largest fundraising event of the year, raising $415,000 in one night for 2,500 children receiving early education and intervention services. As a result, preschoolers start kindergarten ready for success, and children with developmental challenges build skills they need to function better in every area of their lives.
The celebration starts in the Johnson Great Room with an exclusive wine and craft beer tasting for our generous sponsors and table hosts.
A festive evening awaits, emceed by KARE 11's Rena Sarigianopoulos. Attendees delight in delectable hors d'oeuvres while perusing hundreds of items and opportunities available for bid in the silent auction. Complimentary wine and cash bar available.
Memorial Hall shines with sparkling lights and confetti as guests are seated to enjoy a gourmet dinner provided by D'Amico Catering. An inspirational program, rousing live auction, and dessert follows.
Continue your night with us! Join us for live music, dancing, and late night libations.
Rena Sarigianopoulos is a reporter and co-anchor of Breaking the News on KARE 11. She has won regional Emmys as well as a National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting in 2012.
Rena came to KARE in 2005 after spending several years anchoring and reporting at WITI in Milwaukee. She has also worked in Madison, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa.
Rena is from Ohio and graduated from Youngstown State University, home of course, of the fighting Penguins!
Frank has been an anchor in this community since 1996. Before coming to Minnesota, Frank worked at WAND-TV in Decatur, Ill. and at WHOI-TV in Peoria, Ill. as an anchor/reporter.
Growing up in Denver Co., Frank attended the United States Air Force Academy before transferring to the University of Colorado at Boulder. He later studied broadcasting at Columbia College in Chicago, Ill.
The Society of Professional Journalists recognized Frank with its broadcast award for Investigative Reporting in 2008. He was awarded the 2011 and 2012 Regional Emmy for Best Anchor. Frank and Amelia are deeply involved with the community and frequently serve as the master of ceremonies at some of the Twin Cities premier charity events.
Frank married Amelia in 1999 in Florence, Italy. They live in Minneapolis with their three kids — a son Sam and twins Joseph and Francesca — and two dogs.
For 29 years, the annual Make Them Shine Gala has brought together 500 of the Twin Cities’ most influential decision-makers at our premiere event that raises more than $415,000 through corporate sponsorships, silent and live auctions featuring exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a fund-a-need program highlighting families impacted by our services.
For every $1 you invest in early education and intervention, there is up to a $17 return. A child’s who gets access to early intervention has a greater chance for success. They enter kindergarten more prepared, they are less reliant on special education and government programs, and they are more likely to graduate and remain on a path to higher economic potential.
Use the button below to be taken to our secure sponsor payment form to process your contribution today!
Would your company consider sponsoring the Make Them Shine Gala this year? If so, for more information, please contact Martha Smith, Corporate & Community Relations Manager, via email below, or call 952-548-8627.
Parking Complimentary Parking is available at the University Avenue Parking Ramp
Address: 1926 University Avenue South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Note: Tell the attendant you are with St. David’s Center, no ticket is needed.
Full Night 3:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Your evening begins at 3:30 pm with volunteer check-in. At this time, you will be given your volunteer assignments, enjoy a complimentary meal and attend training. As the night continues you will have a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets. Support the Shine-On Festivities, help guests complete their silent auction purchases and disassemble the glitz and glamor from the main event.
Volunteer Shift 1 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Your evening begins at 3:30 pm with volunteer check-in. At this time, you will be given your volunteer assignments, enjoy a complimentary meal and attend training. As the night continues you will have a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets. At (approximately) 9:30 pm the gala ends and the festivities begin! Join the party with live music and dancing.
Volunteer Shift 2 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
After check-in and orientation, volunteers will receive their assignments and attend a brief training session. You will receive complementary snacks as well. Support the Shine-On Festivities, help guests complete their silent auction purchases and disassemble the glitz and glamor from the main event.
There are several ways you can support our event. Please consider a 100% tax-deductible gift that will directly support our programs and help nurture the development of children in our community.
Please use the form below to donate items and experiences for the live and silent auctions.
Federal Tax ID #: 41-1429208
Thank you! Your donation is tax deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Questions? Contact Martha Smith at events@stdavidscenter.org or (952)548-8627.
Maureen Walsh Chief Advancement & Strategy Officer 952.548.8620 mwalsh@stdavidscenter.org
Martha Smith 952-548-8627 events@stdavidscenter.org
Katie Whitnah 952-548-8629 kwhitnah@stdavidscenter.org
