Community Foundation of Dunn County raises record funds at Jeans & Jewels Gala

Volunteers Jayme Holden (left) and Melissa Kneeland of Menomonie smile for the camera while tending the Bubbles & Bling booth at the Community Foundation of Dunn County’s Jeans & Jewels Gala on Nov. 1 at the UW–Stout Memorial Student Center in Menomonie. Bubbles & Bling was one of six specialty raffle options at the Gala, offering a glass of champagne, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a chance to win a unique piece of jewelry from Robert Geide Design for a $20 entry fee. The booth was sponsored by Mainstream Boutique–Menomonie.

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) hosted its annual Jeans & Jewels Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the UW–Stout Memorial Student Center, welcoming 300 guests for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. This event was made possible with the generous support of Platinum Sponsor Waznik Heike Group.

The 2025 Gala marked a special milestone as the CFDC celebrates its 30th Anniversary, and it proved to be its most successful event to date—raising a record total of over $115,000 to sustain the Foundation’s day-to-day operations and ensure its ongoing impact across Dunn County.

Attendees enjoyed a lively evening featuring dinner and drinks, specialty and bucket raffles, silent and live auction packages, and the popular dessert dash, which brought in over $31,000, marking the sweetest and most successful Dash in Jeans & Jewels history!

Clark Yolitz and Jodi Carr of Colfax prepare to dig into their table’s Dessert Dash prize at the Community Foundation of Dunn County’s Jeans & Jewels Gala, held Saturday, Nov. 1, at the UW–Stout Memorial Student Center in Menomonie. Yolitz and Carr were part of the top bidding table, contributing to a $5,432 Dessert Dash bid. Their dasher selected the Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake baked by Lubeck’s Bakery in Menomonie.

A new highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Foundation’s Be a GEM (Give Even More) program, connecting generous donors with local nonprofits in need of tangible items that make a real difference.

Through this initiative, GEM Donors—individuals, groups, or businesses—worked with the Foundation to assemble $500 packages of essential goods or equipment for local nonprofits. Gala attendees had the opportunity to “Be a GEM” by sponsoring one of these packages, ensuring delivery to the nonprofit recipient. The donation of the packages and the sponsorship of each package could also be made in honor or memory of a loved one.

Following the Gala, the Foundation delivered each GEM package to its designated nonprofit, providing over $3,000 in essential goods to organizations throughout Dunn County. The program also generated an additional $3,000 for the Foundation’s Common Good Fund, which supports grants and community initiatives across the county.

“The Jeans & Jewels Gala is our signature fundraising event, and it truly showcases the generosity and spirit of this community,” said Georgina Tegart, Executive Director. “It’s especially meaningful to see such record-breaking support during our 30th anniversary year—proof that philanthropy in Dunn County continues to grow stronger every year.”

Jackie Hunt of Menomonie (middle), accompanied by her husband Jon Brutlag of Menomonie (left) and friend Wendy Wold of Amery (right), raises her bid card during the live auction at the Community Foundation of Dunn County’s Jeans & Jewels Gala, held Saturday, Nov. 1, at the UW–Stout Memorial Student Center in Menomonie.

The Foundation extends special thanks to its Silver Sponsors: Burstad Insurance, Cardinal FG–Menomonie, WESTconsin Credit Union, and Jim & Lori Lewis; and Diamond Sponsors: UW–Stout and Paul Horvath & Megan Bayrd for their exceptional support in making this event possible.

Proceeds from the Gala will continue to support the Foundation’s mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter, ensuring charitable dollars benefit Dunn County residents for generations to come.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Dunn County, visit cfdunncounty.org, and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/cfdunncounty.