Rotary Raises More Than $3,000 with Art and Wine Event

There was concern among some St. Michael-Albertville Rotary members that a new event might not bring about the attention it richly deserved. E-mails were sent, stories were requested and attempts were made to rally former Rotary members as well. 

But it was evident early on Thursday, Feb. 3, that the club's newest endeavor was a huge hit, as the crowd began to fill the council room at the St. Michael City Center.

In the end, Appreciate Art, Appreciate Rotary raised more than $3,000 via its art auction and wine tasting event, making the night a success. 

"It's exciting," said Linda Borchardt, a Rotarian and organizer of the event. "It's so great to see so many people."

There was plenty of art auctioned, and the local artists also brought in plenty of bids. 

"It's a fu night," said Megan Horsch. "I'm happy to be a part of it."

Funds raised will benefit everything from Rotary International's water projects to St. Michael-Albertville Rotary's donation to the Building It Together campaign, which helped fund the new city center building. 

As for Alex Jossart's piece, "Baby's Hand," which was featured on St. Michael Patch, it went to Amy Michenfelder, who helped chair the Building It Together campaign, for a cool $145.