‘EP Gives’ gala unites philanthropy and community

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation is gearing up for its annual “EP Gives” gala fundraiser on Friday, April 26, at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka.

Set to begin at 6 p.m., the gala will merge socializing with philanthropy, highlighted by a happy hour, dinner, and a silent auction. Auction items include food experiences, travel packages, and entertainment opportunities. The evening also features a program spotlighting the foundation’s impact on the community.

“It’s a great time that brings the community together and is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Greg Leeper, the foundation’s executive director. “We’ll also have a program that highlights our mission, the work in the community, all the grant recipients over the past year, and talks a little bit about where we’re headed into the future.”

The evening’s festivities boast special features like a wine pull and a golden ticket raffle.

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“With the wine pull, you get to select a bottle of wine that’s wrapped up, and it could be a really nice, more high-level wine,” Leeper said. “We did that for the first time last year, and it was very popular. We sold out of all of our bottles pretty quickly.”

Leeper added that the golden ticket, first introduced last year, is also making a return.

“For a small price you can get a ticket, essentially a raffle ticket,” he said. “If your name is drawn, you could win one of our big trips from the silent auction. Last year someone won it and chose a trip to Bali. So it was a very small investment for a big pay off.”

Kenny Ray Morgan, a local business owner and Eden Prairie resident, will serve as the MC for the night.

“And we may have a surprise or two as part of the program,” Leeper said. “We’ll keep some of the popular elements and mix it up a little bit, too.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.epgives.org. Those unable to attend can also make a donation to show their support.