HL-O foundation fundraiser is March 20

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OKABENA — At the Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation, members aren’t just looking into the future; they’re rolling.

At least that’s the theme of its upcoming Silent Auction and Grant Awards, “Roll with us into the future,” set for 5:30 p.m. March 20 at the Okabena Legion Hall.

This year, the nonprofit foundation will award $4,400 in grants to five local organizations that fulfill its mission to “enrich the communities of Heron Lake and Okabena by promoting education and opportunities to create a legacy of pride and partnership.”

Next Saturday’s event will feature a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres by area natives Jean and Amanda Leopold starting at 5:30 p.m.

“They have culinary creative hors d’oeuvres that people have really enjoyed,” which will be served butler-style by students at Southwest Star Concept High School, said foundation board member Jim Schneider.

Area businesses have donated items for the silent auction, and bidding will be open until approximately 8 p.m.

The auction will feature handicrafts, quilts made by the SSC High School Civil War class, furniture, a Kozy Heat Fireplace, airline tickets, and sports memorabilia and tickets, detailed Schneider.

“A lot of donated gift baskets have themes; preschool or Easter themes are filled with goodies. It’s excellent for grandparents to buy for their grandkids.”

The silent auction is the major fundraiser for the foundation and has allowed the HLOCF to accumulate more than $100,000 in its endowment fund.

Disc jockey Les “Dr. K” Knutson will provide entertainment; and there will be games for folks to socialize from 9 to 11 p.m.

“This year we’re adding a new twist to it. (The theme) is rolling with us into the future, so we’re going to have some casino-type stuff. We can’t gamble, so we’ll have activities so people have something to do, like card games.”

Tickets are available at the Southwest Star Concept High School or elementary school offices.

Since its establishment in 2003 under the Southwest Initiative Foundation, HLOCF has distributed grants totaling more than $14,000 to such organizations as Jackson County Junior Achievement, the SSC Wellness Center, Heron Lake Public Library and Narrow Path Youth Ministry. Its other revenues come from private donations or memorials and an annual golf tournament and dinner theater event.

Tags: heron lake, community foundation, silent auction, news, okabena, roll, fundraiser