Page 45 | Portraits in Steele 2020
Auction-goers brows the aisles at a past Night of Knights auction. The auction, held at St. Mary’s School, expects to raise over $150,000 to support the school that year. (Press file photo)
Day concludes with Night of Knights By JEFFREY JACKSON jjackson@owatonna.com
OWATONNA — Last year’s new theme for the annual Night of Knights benefit auction for St. Mary’s School in Owatonna must have worked. The fundraiser was the final fund-raising event of the day — along with Bowl for Kids’ Sake and Young Life Cake Auction — dubbed the Day of Giving. And, just as those two other fundraising, also dedicated to organizations dedicated to enhancing the life of children, so, too, did the Night of Knights break records in how much it raised.
Then in its 33rd edition, last year’s Night of Knights brought in $215,000 in a single night. And that, said Marie Olinger, co-chair of last year’s auction, was profit, after expenses were taken out.
encouraged people to dress in western garb. Attendees at last year’s evening event — about 500 in all — seemed to get into the spirit of the outdoor theme, if the preponderance of flannel was any indication.
The new theme for last year — a theme that will be resurrected this year and next as part of the event’s three-year cycle for themes — was “Adventure Awaits” and focused on the great outdoors. As in years past, attendees to the event were encouraged to dress in clothes that fit the theme. One year, when the theme was “The Wild West,” organizers
But even more than getting into the spirit of the theme, what made last year’s event so successful was how those in attendance got into the spirit of generosity that permeated the evening. Karen Spielman, the other co-chair for last year’s event, said it best last year when she
Continued on next page
OWATONNA ARTS CENTER Home of Creativity and Artistry
Formerly Wencl Accounting & Tax Service
Lisa Ackerman
Accountant/Tax Preparer
507-451-3399 • 221 Mineral Springs Rd Ste A
lisa@ackermanaccounting.com • ackermanaccounting.com
• Monthly Gallery Shows • Music Programs • Classes For All Ages and Skills • Special Events
Our historic building is also available to rent for meetings and special events! Open 1-5 pm. Tuesday-Sunday
435 Garden View Lane • (507) 451-0533 • www.oacarts.org
