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Bidding to benefit students

By Catherine Monson '12
February 27, 2012

This hand-crafted Norwegian rowboat is just one of 36 items being auctioned online starting Wednesday.

Alumni and parents of St. Olaf students are gearing up for an evening of good company, celebration, and support for St. Olaf at the fourth annual Black and Gold Winter Gala March 3 at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis. Last year the event raised more than $160,000 for the St. Olaf Fund, which supports such needs across campus as financial aid, library resources, faculty salaries, and student-faculty research. So far, nearly 470 seats have been filled for this year's party (with room for more to attend) — a major jump from the 350 people who attended last year.

"We're sensing a lot of anticipation this year," says Nathan Soland '04, director of Alumni and Parent Relations. "We have more items, more people, and more enthusiasm than ever before. The Gala Committe is excited — they've put a lot of work into this.

"And there are more than a few items I've got my eye on," he adds.

For those unable to attend the event, an online auction held three days prior to the gala will still allow participation in support of the St. Olaf Fund. The 36 donated items available online — more than double last year's count — include dinner with President David Anderson '74 (he'll come to you), a weekend adventure in Chicago, and an Apple iPad holding the complete St. Olaf digital music library. The bidding will begin noon Wednesday, February 29, and close 5 p.m. Friday, March 2.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.