Promotes The Drums Along the Red Cedar Music Camp Fund during live auction
The Dunn County community gathered on Nov. 2 to support the work and mission of the Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) for its 14th Annual Jeans & Jewels Gala. Over 290 guests filled the Great Hall and Ballrooms at the UW-Stout Memorial Student Center to support the event, which included a delicious dinner and hors d’oeuvres, over 100 raffle and auction items, and a Dessert Dash. On the night, the community helped the CFDC raise over $100,000 net proceeds.
A new feature brought to the live auction this year was created to bring awareness to funds held at the CFDC. This year’s featured fund was The Drums Along the Red Cedar Music Camp Fund and the item auctioned was an Epiphone banjo.
Originally purchased by Marilyn Tye for her husband Dan Tye, the banjo carries a deep connection to music and philanthropy. Together, the Tyes started the Drums Along Red Cedar Music Camp Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities for young musicians to attend summer camps and nurture their talents. Epiphone banjos are known for their quality craftsmanship and rich sound, making this instrument not just a musical treasure, but also a symbol of the Tyes' enduring commitment to music education. The winning bid supports this important fund, helping the next generation of musicians explore their passion. It is the Foundation’s plan to continue this new tradition, bringing awareness to a different fund each year during the live auction.
Attendees also participated in the Dessert Dash - a crowd favorite since 2018 - and raised an impressive $28,939 for charity in just a matter of minutes. Guests collectively bid as a table and designate a runner to “dash” for their table’s dessert. The highest bidding table dashes first, followed by the second highest, and so on until all desserts are claimed. This year’s winning bid was the highest amount in Dessert Dash history at $6,000.
All of the desserts were donated and prepared by both home bakers and professional bakers, ranging from layer cakes and creamy cheesecakes to fruit tarts and comforting pies; a perfect way to end an enjoyable evening.
Guests also enjoyed chances to win bucket raffle packages, four specialty raffles, and bid on over 40 silent auction items/packages and 21 live auction items/packages. All of our bucket raffle, specialty raffle, silent and live auction items were donated by local businesses and community members.
This special night was a record-breaking success, all thanks to the generosity of the Dunn County community. A special thank you to Platinum (Presenting) sponsor Waznik Heike Group, LLC; Gold Sponsors Cardinal FC, WESTconsin Credit Union, and Jim and Lori Lewis; and Silver Sponsor Mayo Clinic Health System.
The staff and Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Dunn County are humbled by the immense generosity displayed by the community and ask them to save the date and join in the fun next year on Saturday, November 1, 2025!
All proceeds from the Jeans & Jewels Charity Gala support the Community Foundation of Dunn County, a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Foundation works with individuals, families, and businesses to help them achieve their charitable goals to support the needs of communities in and around Dunn County both now and in the future. Grants are made to non-profit organizations that support arts and culture, health, and social services, education, the environment, and a wide range of community improvement projects.
Submitted article.
