Edina Rotary Foundation Fundraiser—What a night!

Rendezvous in Paris—What a night!

Last Saturday night the two of us stood in front of a record number (307) of guests at the  Sheraton Bloomington and we felt nothing less than amazement. Our dream and plans had come true!  A Rendezvous in Paris was really happening! The crowd strolled amongst the sounds and joys of the City of Lights, each having taken a trip to Paris - sans avian! (without flying on an airplane!) – and bringing with them the enthusiasm and generosity that marks the Rotary Club of Edina. What a night!

Rendezvous in Paris co-chairs Mary Younggren (left) and Jean Morrison.

As co-chairs of this wonderfully fun and purposeful event, we have said time and again that this whole experience reflects the energy of our Club and the international theme, “Light Up Rotary”.  An entire French army of 91 people, working on 20 committees used their personal and professional strengths to bring Rendezvous in Paris from dream to reality. This amazing team is a true reflection of Service Above Self.  They are the reason this gala broke attendance records!   From seeking auction items and sponsors, to collecting and arranging what would look like a sea of Eiffel Towers and amazing decorations, organizing the Silent Auction, Bistro Photo Booth, Wall of Wine and reservations, planning and creating marketing and public relations efforts, making plans for the food and venue and finally, cleaning up, this battalion delivered a joyous, memorable and successful evening. We are grateful to our army for their dedication, commitment, tireless perseverance and hard work.  To them we say “Merci!”

The "Gala Team" wearing their berets at the Fundraiser kick-off meeting on April 8. 2014.

Rotary Club of Edina President Jeff Ohe and his wife, Alley Ohe, at the Gala.

Jeannie and John Buttolph show their raffle tickets before the drawing at the Gala.

Gala presenting sponsor Joel and Mary Lee Jennings were all smiles at the event.

Doug and Karen Johnson (left) and Ann and Jim Platt pose in the French bistro photo booth at the Gala. Many thanks to Michael Braun and Sam and Mary Jo Cote for working tirelessly to make the photo booth a success.

Rotarian Bob Solheim charmed the crowd as MC of the Gala.

The signature drink of the Gala was the French 75. There were also signature drink glasses with the Rendezvous in Paris logo on them for purchase.

Edina Rotarians who have served in the Club longest were honored at the Gala. The "Totterers" received a round of applause for their many years of service. Here are the Totterers: 

Don Erickson—57 years
Frank Cardarelle—57 years
Jack Braun—56 years
Burt Cohen—51 years
Lloyd Pearson—50 years
Arthur Rouner—49 years
Harry Spell—47 years
Tom Pirsch—45 years
Dan Hallberg—41 years
Ed Bather—41 years
Dennis Bock—41 years
Adam Stanzak—40 years
Bill Clynes—38 years
Sam Cote—37 years
Dennis Hykes—34 years
Jim Perkins—33 years
Gordy Lewis—32 years
Bob Perkins—32 years
Charles Barer—32 years
Tom McNellis—29  years

Thank you, Totterers!

The event’s financial outcome will be available soon, and every one of us should be proud of what we do together as Edina Rotarians to support local and international efforts that change people’s lives. This year, our event used a new technology; electronic fundraising.  The mobile bid process was a big change for our fundraiser and guests.  We learned a great deal this year as we moved to utilize the latest technology.  Bidding began a week prior to the event, and we earned over half our Silent Auction revenue before the event even began!

It was humbling to be your co-chairs, and we are so grateful for having had the opportunity to be part of this wonderful night.  Edina Rotarians truly do “Light Up Rotary”  through their generous giving and service. We are reminded of a favorite line from the French novella, Le Petit Prince: “On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur”, or, “We see well only with the heart”.  So true.

In Rotary Service,

Jean  Morrison and Mary Younggren
​Rendezvous in Paris co-chairs