By Greta Foss

Summer Intern

Cornerstone gives to the community, now they are asking the community to give back. 

The Cornerstone Arts and Giving Gala will take place on Friday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m. located at the Frazee Event Center, and will be a night dedicated to celebrating the work that Cornerstone has done, and is looking to do, for the community. The dinner will be served by the kids of Cornerstone, giving them work experience and making the night more community-oriented. Music and other entertainment will also be provided by youth from Cornerstone. 

For director Mackenzie Hamm, this is the best part, “it’s watching the kids be so involved. I just love watching them, even just serving the dinner, and bringing it out and smiling and talking to the people that are there, and the ones that are singing, some of them for the first time, to just see them just be so, like, proud of themselves,” she said. 

Besides dinner and live music, guests may also enjoy the silent or live auctions, with many prizes donated from families and businesses within the community and all around the area. There are many other events that guests can participate in such as a gun raffle or the booze barrow. If members of the community cannot make it to the event but still want to participate in a raffle, they can participate in the E-Bike raffle by purchasing a ticket at the Corner Collective Bistro. 

The funds raised at the gala will help to provide more food and activities for the youth that benefit from Cornerstone. It will provide a fun and safe place for young people to go to when they don’t have anywhere else to go, as well as providing family navigation services and efforts. 

“I always say it’s kind of like having an in-town grandparent that you can run to after school, grab a cookie, and say ‘Hey, I’m going to the park, I’ll be right back,’” said Hamm.

Those who are looking to get involved with the gala there are many ways that you can show your support. Tickets to attend the gala are $40 ahead of the event or $50 at the door and can be purchased at the bistro. People can reserve a table of eight for $300 online at the Cornerstone website. Those who would like to donate something for the silent auction can text (218) 329-6199. If you can’t make it you can donate on their website and designate it as a part of the gala to be included in the funds raised during the night. People who are unable to contribute financially but still would like to help, Hamm says there is always room for more volunteers.

“We have people that can volunteer their time. People that don’t have time to volunteer, but they’ve got financial resources,” Hamm said. “I always tell people, just tell me what you like to do and what’s passionate in you, and then we’ll make a fit for you.”

For more information about the Arts and Giving Gala or about Cornerstone, visit their website at cornerstonefrazee.org/give or check out the Corner Collective Bistro located at 300 Second St NW Frazee MN.