Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona announces family application dates

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program is accepting applications from community members who need help obtaining family gifts for the holidays. The annual gift-giving program — in its sixth year — helps more than 1,400 people have a much happier holiday season.

Families may pick up an application form through one of the human service agencies that they work with (Catholic Charities, Family Services of Winona, Habitat for Humanity, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Project FINE, Semcac, Winona Area Hospice, Winona Area Learning Center, Winona County Community Health, Winona County Department of Human Services, Winona Senior Advocacy Program, Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Workforce Center or Women’s Resource Center). Families affected by the flood should contact the American Red Cross for an application form.

Completed application forms must be returned to Winona Volunteer Services (416 E. 2nd St.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 26 or Nov. 2, or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 27 or Nov. 3. On these dates, SMU student volunteers will review the forms for processing.

This program exists through the generosity of the Winona community, as well as the work of other community partners including: Winona Volunteer Services, United Way, Winona Radio, the Winona Post and Wells Fargo Bank.

DeThomasis to cook at ‘Recipe for Relief’ fundraiser for SMU faculty, staff flood victims

WINONA, Minn. — Friends of Saint Mary’s University are invited to a ‘Recipe for Relief’ fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Winona campus. Proceeds will benefit the many faculty and staff at SMU who received severe flood damage.

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled evening of music, food and festive bidding. The event will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the dining room of the Toner Student Center. Admission will be $25 or $15 for students.

Several celebrity SMU “chefs” will be preparing a huge variety of tasty hors d’oeuvres, and the master chef himself, Brother Louis DeThomasis, Saint Mary’s chancellor, will give out a special recipe — as well as a live (and lively!) demonstration of how to prepare it. Recipes by all the chefs will be shared.

SMU student jazz combos will be joined by directors Eric Heukeshoven and Dr. John Paulson. Additionally Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, will perform folk music. A silent auction will complete the evening.

This SMU benefit follows the Sept. 7 Rockin’ for Relief event — a live concert to assist flood victims in our surrounding communities — which raised $2,889. With a matching $2,500 donation from Modern Woodmen of America, the proceeds totaled $5,389.

Between 300 and 350 people attended that event, sponsored by Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services and Office of Campus Ministry.

Area businesses encouraged to donate to live auction, concert Sept. 7

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to join Saint Mary’s University for Rockin’ for Relief — a live concert to benefit flood victims in our surrounding communities. The event, which will include barbecued food, kids games and a live auction, will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in Saint Mary’s plaza.

Performing will be Bookreader, an SMU student band; SMU’s Adam Stasica; Winonan Mike Munson; and Monday Saga, a band from Milwaukee in which SMU alum Brandon Mathieus performs.

Big-ticket auction items will include a Wenonah Canoe, Twins Tickets, a Watkins basket, and Saint Paul Saints merchandise. Any local businesses wishing to donate to the live auction should contact Katie LaPlant (507) 457-6936.

Bring the whole family; admission will be $10 or $5 for students. A freewill donation will be asked for those younger than 12. Families will be admitted for $10 per adult and freewill donations for children.

The event is sponsored by Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services and Office of Campus Ministry. Modern Woodmen of America is providing matching funds up to $2,500.