by Wendy Schoggins
On Sunday, February 18, 2024, hundreds of neighbors joined together in CLACC's Event Centers and Dining Room to raise funds for much-needed improvements to our 101-year-old building.
To say the event was a success doesn't even scratch the surface. This event surpassed our wildest imagination. We set out to be epic.
It. Was. Epic!!
People reported that it was not only "fun," "entertaining," and "great to see everyone," but that it was "wonderful to be part of a worthy cause," to feel like they "made a difference." And, that they did.
This fundraiser was the brainchild of Candace Kuhl of CanDance (Room 310). Cupid's Carnival took on a life of its own and became a huge event because that's what we do here in the Clear Lake area. We show up and we help our neighbors. Candace wanted to do something to give back to the Center which has made it possible for her business to flourish. "If it weren't for the community center, I would not have been able to start my business. I love it here!" She actually started by renting the dining room a few nights a week, until a vacancy came up several months later.
The event went something like this: to start with, Candace asked fellow CLACC tenants to help out by running a carnival game or sponsoring a gift basket. Before long word got out and sponsors were joining in from near and far -- not just tenants! After all, we are everyone's community center! Sponsors donated goods, services and of course, money! Gift baskets filled with goodies lined the halls, where people could add their raffle tickets for a chance to win. And, several silent auctions were also available to "bid" on and win. The raffles and silent auctions were a huge hit! There were also carnival tickets which could be used on games, bouncy house, and for delicacies like popcorn and cotton candy!
Raising the Bar was there with beer and wine for purchase. They donated their beverages, their time and effort, and even their tips to help the Center! Kate's Coffee Koop (Jr.!) had lemonade, coffee and pickles, with 100% of proceeds going to CLACC. Also joining us was Brickfire pizza slinging its world-famous pizza slices, with a portion of proceeds going to the fundraiser. We are fortunate to have such amazing people as neighbors!
Local businesses, organizations and nonprofits joined in as well by sponsoring raffle baskets, silent auctions, carnival games, food and activities, or monetary donations. Join us in thanking them for their generosity!
· Almena Meat Company
· American Legion Post 108 (Room 108)
· Austad's SuperValu
· Bergmann's Greenhouse
· Big Guy's BBQ
· Brickfire Pizza
· CB Styles
· Chase's Midway Bar
· Clear Lake Civic & Commerce
· Digital Experience
· Forest Timberwolves 4-H
· Girl Scouts (Room 308)
· Hotel Bar & Grill
· Irma's Place
· Jami Marie Photography
· Kuhl Construction
· Lake Country Pizza
· LeeAnn Norton (Cotton Candy lady!)
· Nextgen
· Nilssen's IGA
· Northern Roots Family Spinal Care
· Pillar Bank · PittCrew band
· Pyro Celebrations
· Sanctuary at Clear Lake
· Sawmill Pizza & Brew Shed
· Six Willows Farm
· Spare Time Bowl Bar & Grill · Sol Deo Gloria Ballet (Room 306)
· Sweet Shirts by Tiffany
· Tahnks Construction
· The Get-Go Bar & Foolery
· Three3Sisters Gift Shop
· Tim & Mary Wienke
· UW Wanderoos Bar & Grill
· Windwalker K-9 Consulting
· Wood's Cutlery Shop (Room 204)
Activities included Live Music donated by The Pitt Crew, CanDance (room 310) performances, and Soli Deo Gloria Ballet (Room 306) performances. carnival games, bouncy house, BINGO, raffles and silent auctions and so much more!
To summarize, CLACC is where it's at! Thank you to our wonderful tenants, volunteers, sponsors and our Clear Lake Area Community! We're already planning next year's FUNdraiser! In all, this community raised more than $3,000 for the much-needed updates at CLACC. To read more about the center's needs, visit the latest Grant Committee updates.
For more information, please contact Candace at CanDance.