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This year, the Winona Community Foundation is throwing a wedding-themed party for the third annual Celebrity Night, a fundraising event featuring a celebrity mystery guest who is introduced at the dinner.
As in previous years, the theme — “We’ve only just begun” — is a clue to the celebrity’s identity, Winona Community Foundation President Maggie Modjeski said.
Last year’s celebrities were television’s two Eddies: Eddie from the “The Munsters” (Butch Patrick) and Eddie from “Leave It To Beaver” (Ken Osmond).
“Our guest here is a television icon (who) started his career in 1966 and still going strong,” Modjeski said.
The event raises money for the foundation’s impact grants, which target immediate needs facing the community.
Late last year, the foundation gave $1,500 to Gifts for Winona to help buy holiday gifts. That money was matched by a private donor.
“Three thousand may not sound like a lot when it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts, but it was a lot,” Modjeski said.
The impact funds also helped stock the food shelf of Winona Volunteer Services two years ago when summertime supplies ran low.
Celebrity nights also feature local celebrities as servers. Modjeski said this year she’s recruited several new celebrities, including Winona State University basketball coach Mike Leaf and two of the starters from the NCAA Division II championship team, city council member George Borsyskowski and frequent letter to the editor writer Robert Hively-Johnson.
The wedding-themed evening will feature elements from any wedding, including champagne toasts.
The event, which will be held at Signatures, will feature a five-course meal with wine, dancing and a social hour.
“Don’t be surprised if you see the chicken dance,” Modjeski said.
If you go
What: Winona Community Foundation Celebrity Night
When: May 13
Where: Visions Event Center, Signatures restaurant, 22852 County Road 17
Cost: $100 per person ($50 tax deductible)
More information: (507) 454-6511; wincomf@hbci.com
