Thank you to all who attended and supported the inaugural Celebrate Bethany Fundraising Gala on March 13, 2025. The event was a tremendous success!
We are thrilled to report that over $106,000 was donated to assist in the student experience at Bethany Lutheran College.
We are already looking forward to Celebrating Bethany at the 2026 gala!
Bethany's 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala
Illuminate A Star - March 13, 2025
This year’s theme is Illuminate A Star, which will highlight and provide support for student scholarships. Meet with current scholarship recipients to hear about how you can help make a difference in the lives of students for years to come. Join us to learn what Bethany has in store for students and the Mankato community.
Celebrate Bethany is an annual fundraising event that brings together the Bethany and Greater Mankato Area communities to celebrate the many blessings at Bethany Lutheran College. It is our hope that the relationships formed through this gathering will explore and create additional partnerships that benefit Bethany students to lead and serve in our community.
Live Auction Items
Half Hog
- Valued at $400
- Donated by Nick & Emily (’01 Flantz) Peters
Bid price includes pork only. Buyer to pay for processing at the time of pickup. Processing contracted with Schmidt’s Meat Market, Nicollet, Minnesota—ready for pick-up early April.
Minnesota Twins Ultimate Game Day Experience
- Valued at $700
- Donated by the Minnesota Twins and Dr. Eric Peterson (‘08)
- Package includes TWO separate Twins game exclusive experiences.
Package 1: Two (2) tickets in the Delta Sky360° Suite – Saturday, June 21 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers (1:10 p.m.)
Package 2: Four (4) tickets to a mutually agreed upon game, pregame private tour of Target Field, and on field access for batting practice.
- Valued at $750
- Donated by Performance Foods – Nate Lindesmith (‘99)
- 2025-26 Season (game to be scheduled)
Package includes two parking passes.
A Private Wine Tasting with Friends
- Valued at $700
- Donated by Heidi Lyman (’88)
Combine your love for fine wine with friends! Bethany alum Heidi Lyman (’88), a 26-year veteran of the wine and spirits industry with a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) accreditation and a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 qualification, will come to your home for a private wine tasting for up to 10 people. Heidi will feature six to eight wines each with a starting retail price of $15 and higher, along with insights on the creation and location where they come from. Heidi will also work with the winner to feature preferred wines in terms of red to white, dry to sweet, etc. This will be a fun and informative evening that is sure to create wonderful memories. (Location must be within a 75-mile radius of Owatonna, Minnesota. Not available Saturday or Sunday nights. Blackout dates from April 14-May 31.)
- Valued at $1,000
- Donated by Revival Outdoor, Mankato – Aaron Madson
Certificate good for residential or commercial application in the Greater Mankato Area.
- Valued at $1,700
- Donated by Matt Coulsey (‘01) and Retro Replay Arcades
Retro-style full-size arcade game with 5,000+ games. 32″ LED screen and LED-lit buttons.
- Valued at $1,500 – Three night stay
- Donated by Alex and Rae Schauer
Ultimate North Shore getaway located right on Lake Superior. Brand new, modern and luxurious, comfortably suited for two but can accommodate four. Your choice of either cabin – Jarvi cabin or Kalliot A-Frame. Private Sauna at each. (Blackout dates: US National Holidays. Valid in 2025)
- Valued at $1,900
- Donated by Taylor Corporation
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Four (4) Tickets in Section 131, Row B (center court) The seats are part of the exclusive Lexus Courtside Club, which includes dinner and valet parking.
University of Tennessee Volunteers Baseball Experience
- Valued at $1,400
- Donated by Tyler Johnson (‘89) and University of Tennessee Athletics
Up to six tickets for weekend series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee. Package is for three SEC series games including premium hospitality area. Travel not included.
- Valued at $800
- Donated by Gaby Accad (‘90)
Foursome will be accompanied by member Gaby Accad. Golf carts are included. Does not include food or beverages.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Program Sponsor
Social Hour Sponsor
Event Co-Sponsors
Table Sponsors
First National Bank Minnesota
Bruce Gratz
Greater Mankato Rotary
Independent School Dist. No. 77
ISG
Metro First Call
Daniel Mundahl
Papa Murphy’s – Pi Squared LLC dba
Traverse Des Sioux Garden Center
2025 Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Your sponsorship supports the event and gives you exposure to more than 200 event attendees and thousands more with pre- and post-event promotions.
Founding Sponsor - $10,000
- Name/business logo prominently displayed on all digital and printed materials
- Business recognized and a short promotional video during the event
- Two prominent complimentary tables of eight at the event
Dinner Co-Sponsor - $5,000
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized and a short promotional video during the event
- One complimentary table of eight at the event
Program Sponsor - $3,500
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as
Program Sponsor - One complimentary table
of eight at the event
Social Hour Co-Sponsor - $2,500
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as Social Hour Sponsor
- One complimentary table of eight at the event
Event Sponsor - $1,000
- Name/business listed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as
Event Sponsor - Up to eight complimentary tickets to the event
Table Sponsor - $800
- Name/business listed on select digital and printed materials
- One table of eight at the event
Individual Ticket - $80
Sponsorship Contact Information
Bruce Gratz, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Email Bruce | 507-344-7367
Christopher Kind, Director of Development
Email Christopher | 507-344-7862
Jake Krier, Director of Alumni Relations
Email Jake | 507-344-7519