Bethany's 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala
Illuminate A Star - March 13, 2025
This year’s theme is Illuminate A Star, which will highlight and provide support for student scholarships. Meet with current scholarship recipients to hear about how you can help make a difference in the lives of students for years to come. Join us to learn what Bethany has in store for students and the Mankato community.
Deadline to Register is
February 21, 2025
If you wish to RSVP by phone,
please call Shannon at 507-344-7313.
Celebrate Bethany is an annual fundraising event that brings together the Bethany and Greater Mankato Area communities to celebrate the many blessings at Bethany Lutheran College. It is our hope that the relationships formed through this gathering will explore and create additional partnerships that benefit Bethany students to lead and serve in our community.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, March 13, 2025
- Social Hour – 5:00 p.m.
- Dinner and Program – 6:00 p.m.
Held at the Bethany Activity Center
905 Marsh Street, Mankato (Directions)
Photos from the 2024 Event
Live Auction Items
- Valued at $1,500 – 3 night stay
- Donated by Alex and Rae Schauer
Ultimate North Shore getaway located right on Lake Superior. Brand new, modern and luxurious, comfortably suited for two but can accommodate four. Your pick from either cabin – Jarvi cabin or Kalliot A-Frame. Private Sauna at each. (Blackout dates: US National Holidays. Valid in 2025)

Minnesota Twins Ultimate Game Day Experience
- Valued at $700
- Donated by the Minnesota Twins and Dr. Eric Peterson (‘08)
- Package includes TWO separate Twins game exclusive experiences.
More details to come.
- Valued at $1,000
- Donated by Revival Outdoor, Mankato – Aaron Madson
Certificate good for residential or commercial application in the Greater Mankato Area.
- Valued at $1,700
- Donated by Matt Coulsey (‘01) and Retro Replay Arcades
Retro-style full-size arcade game with 5,000+ games. 32″ LED screen and LED-lit buttons.

A Private Wine Tasting with Friends
- Valued at $700
- Donated by Heidi Lyman (’88)
Combine your love for fine wine with friends … Bethany alum Heidi Lyman (’88), a 26-year veteran of the wine and spirits industry with a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) accreditation and a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 qualification, will come to your home for a private wine tasting for up to 10 people. Heidi will feature 6-8 wines each with a starting retail price of $15 and higher, along with insights on the creation and location where they come from. Heidi will also work with the winner to feature preferred wines in terms of red to white, dry to sweet, etc. This will be a fun and informative evening that is sure to create wonderful memories. (Location must be within a 75-mile radius of Owatonna, Minnesota. Not available Saturday or Sunday nights. Blackout dates from April 14-May 31.)

University of Tennessee Volunteers Baseball Experience
- Valued at $1,400
- Donated by Tyler Johnson (‘89) and University of Tennessee Athletics
Up to six (6) tickets for weekend series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee. Package is for three (3) SEC series games including premium hospitality area. Travel not included.

Half Hog
- Valued at $400
- Donated by Nick & Emily (’01 Flantz) Peters
Bid price includes pork only. Buyer to pay for processing at the time of pickup. Processing contracted with Schmidt’s Meat Market, Nicollet, Minnesota—ready for pick-up early April.
More items pending...
2025 Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Your sponsorship supports the event and gives you exposure to more than 200 event attendees and thousands more with pre- and post-event promotions.
Founding Sponsor - $10,000
- Name/business logo prominently displayed on all digital and printed materials
- Business recognized and a short promotional video during the event
- Two prominent complimentary tables of eight at the event
Dinner Co-Sponsor - $5,000
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized and a short promotional video during the event
- One complimentary table of eight at the event
Program Sponsor - $3,500
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as
Program Sponsor - One complimentary table
of eight at the event
Social Hour Co-Sponsor - $2,500
- Name/business logo displayed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as Social Hour Sponsor
- One complimentary table of eight at the event
Event Sponsor - $1,000
- Name/business listed on select digital and printed materials
- Business recognized as
Event Sponsor - Up to eight complimentary tickets to the event
Table Sponsor - $800
- Name/business listed on select digital and printed materials
- One table of eight at the event
Individual Ticket - $80
Sponsorship Contact Information
Bruce Gratz, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Email Bruce | 507-344-7367
Christopher Kind, Director of Development
Email Christopher | 507-344-7862
Jake Krier, Director of Alumni Relations
Email Jake | 507-344-7519