POP QUIZ. Which three things does Eden Prairie do better than any other Twin Cities suburb? If you answered (A) enriching our community through philanthropy, collaboration and leadership, (B) enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our city, and (C) partying, then news of the 46th annual EP Gives’ extraordinary success should come as no surprise.
“It was a red-letter occasion,” said Emily Orr, executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. “Thanks to our guests and every business that sponsored our signature fundraising event, we raised over $117,000 for the Foundation’s myriad philanthropic efforts!”
Thursday, April 30th at the glamorous Minneapolis Marriott Southwest – it was EP Gives! Festivities kicked off with a cocktail hour replete with succulent appetizers, gregariousness-enhancing beverages, and amusing ways to convert money into the greater good. A silent auction featuring over $35,000 worth of fabulous prizes (FPs), including art pieces, scenic flights, golf outings, house cleanings, massages, and gift cards to beloved local eateries such as The Hearth and Tavern 4&5. A wine pull, from which guests yanked every last bottle. A raffle for a vacation to a country with pizza nearly as good as The Hearth’s: Italy. A last-man-standing heads-or-tails showdown, wherein participants vied for a sunset cruise with Let’s Go Fishing. Nothing less than the Marriott’s gourmet dinner could have torn guests away from such merriments.
“We are beyond fortunate to have welcomed Senator Steve Cwondinski as the party’s emcee,” said Emily. “He is a pillar of our community, who has so admirably dedicated himself to serving the southwest metro. Just as importantly, he is a hoot, with an uncanny talent for telling captivating anecdotes that wallop listeners with unforeseeable punchlines. And dad jokes!”
After-dinner programming included an incomparably more kinetic affair than the silent auction: a live auction, featuring FPs such as trips to Mexico and Italy, a ride in a WWII aircraft courtesy of Wings of the North, and a history tour of our capitol with Mayor Ron and Kathie Case sponsored by Executive Transportation. Guests also viewed touching videos showcasing Hammer Residences and Mission Animal Hospital, as well as this year’s recipient of the Dr. Jean L. Harris Scholarship.
“They were only a sampling of the many outstanding organizations and individuals we have the honor of providing funding to,” said Emily. “The Foundation is also a steadfast supporter of the Eden Prairie Community Band and Eden Prairie Players, as well as Every Meal, Good in the 'Hood, Onward Eden Prairie, Move Forward, PROP Food Shelf, Reach for Resources, Relate Counseling Center, the Sojourner Project, True Friends, and several other nonprofits serving people who are experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and disabilities.
“I have an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. I worked for some of the very same organizations that receive funding from the Foundation prior to becoming its executive director last February. That’s all to say that I have watched people do a lot of good over the course of my career, and I was still astounded by our guests’ generosity that evening.
“It was nothing short of inspiring, and assured me that the Foundation will continue expanding its funding and resources over the coming decades. EP Gives truly proves that Eden Prairie’s compassion is without equal.”
The Foundation’s new executive director may be as well connected as she is experienced, but there’s still one prominent figure in our community she has yet to know the pleasure of meeting: you. If you lead a business or an organization that loves thy neighbor, call (952) 949-8499 or write emilyorr@epcommunityfoundation.org to schedule a tête-à-tête with Emily! EPCommunityFoundation.org