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George Bonnema’s famous carrot cake fetched the top bid of $1,000 Monday night at the Generations Dessert Theater fundraiser in Grand Prairie Events.
More than 300 people showed up for desserts and entertainment — including music by Ron and Jane Cote and comedy routines by “Marlene and Darlene” (DJ Luethje and Brenda Winter).
A $20 ticket — $15 for Generations members — bought a generous dessert serving (a choice among dozens of decadent varieties) and a chance to bid on a choice of 15 gourmet desserts and cakes.
Bonnema, Generations president, addressed crowds at the start of the evening.
He said revitalizing the organization formerly known as Senior Citizens is about improving the community and the lives of people who live in Luverne and Rock County.
“It’s about what we can do and what we are doing,” he said.
“I believe we are called by our creator to live our life on a mission … serving others. And that includes the poor, the marginalized and the underserved.”
He said he was inspired to get involved in Generations after observing the dozens of local volunteers already helping with the meal site.
“I am so impressed and humbled by the people who selflessly give their time to volunteer in the kitchen, … who deliver meals on wheels to people who depend on that meal, … who daily, faithfully help clear tables and serve in the dining room … and who walk beside a person who needs a friend and a way to become connected …”
Bonnema said Generations serves an important purpose in the community, and he’s excited to see the group reenergizing.
“This is what Generations is about —living well and aging well,” he said.
“It’s not about age groups; it’s not about us and them. It is about what we can do together, as our new name, ‘Generations’ implies.”
At the end of the night, the dessert auction brought in $5,500 — many bringing $500 apiece — and tickets sales were also at around $5,000.
But the impact may be felt over the next few weeks as funds continue coming in via discrete donation envelopes that were sprinkled on tables throughout the banquet hall.
Bonnema said it would only be an estimate at this time, but so far it appears the event raised roughly $71,000 to support construction costs for a new Generations building.
The $2 million building will replace the front “Lincoln House” structure on East Lincoln Street.
It will incorporate the existing kitchen and dining room spaces that will be remodeled and updated with walk-in coolers and modern activity spaces that the community can also reserve.